Formal introduction...

I posted last night asking advice between a few razors I was looking at for my first straight. I have been DE shaving for 6 months, and think I have my technique and system dialed, and repeatedly am getting BBS or DFS shaves consistently with no cuts, nicks, burn, etc. I currently have a '57 SS, EJ DE89 and a Merkur HD34c and a Merkur Mergress XL, with the XL currently being my hands down favorite. I have also tinkered with brushes, creams and soaps and know what I like and what works for me. With those decisions made and out of the way I think I am ready to invest the time and money into learning how to shave with a straight razor.

Between the razors I was deciding on, I actually ended up going with the Dovo Bismarck. A bit much for a first straight razor in both price and size perhaps, but after talking to the guys at SRD and asking their opinion of those 2 razors, I was told they were both excellent razors, really could not go wrong with either, and although it is true the 5/8 would be more maneuverable, especially under the nose/mustache area, learning on a 6/8 is not impossible and is totally doable. I realize I could have gone cheaper and picked up a 5/8 or 6/8 Dovo Best, but aesthetically the Bismarck just called out to me, and I figured I would be more inspired to use a razor that I just really find visually pleasing, and the Bismarck apparently also have a great reputation as a great shaver. I have also seen pictures of it with all of the gold worn off/removed and to me it still looks bada$$. I also ordered a 3" strop.

So I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. I look forward to learning from everyone on here. I know the learning curve for a straight razor is MUCH steeper than a DE, and for quite a while I will not be getting nearly as good results as I am with the DE, but over time this will hopefully improve!

Welcome!

Regardless of the blade you get... its all a learning experience and enjoyment. Glad to see you crossing over from the DE's!

You went with a great razor, IMHO. I really enjoyed my Dovo Flowing 6/8 till SWMBO co-opted that blade for her legs. I'm sure you will find the size just right, about middle of the road. Anything smaller than a 6/8 seems small to me given that's what I started with for a razor size. You can even learn just fine with an 8/8. But, as they say, YMMV.

Pay special attention to the blade angle being sure to keep it shallow (30 degrees or less). When I first started, my tendency was to keep the blade angle too high resulting in too many unnecessary weepers. Have a blast! :)

I think I already spoke up on the other thread, but just in case, welcome to SRP!

Welcome to SRP! You'll find everything you want to know on this site -- the senior members are just so dang knowledgeable ab out darn near everything shave-related. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Welcome and good luck! I learned on a 5/8 blade but have found I prefer 6/8s for their greater mass and lather-holding ability... I don't need to stop and rinse the blade as often. It's a small thing, but if we didn't notice small things like that we wouldn't be using straights.

Best wishes