Thread: First straight razor

Okay so, I've been shopping around on SRD for a straight razor wet shaving kit.

Now there's a couple of blades that have really appealed to me;
-Dovo astrale ebony, carbon steel half hollow
-Dovo ebony silver steel, full hollow
-Dovo Prima Klan, carbon steel extra hollow

All blades are 5/8.

What would you reccomend for a first timer? I'm leaning towards the extra hollow Prima but I'm a bit concerned how difficult it will be to use, being an extra hollow. Also I like the Dovo ebony stainless steel, but I'm more inclined towards a carbon blade from what I have read. I think I want a full hollow over half hollow, as I'm sure I'll be wanting to upgrade to full hollow in the future anyway.

Any reccomendations?

I have a very hollow 5/8 Burrell Top Flight and I LOVE the sound it makes. It also has excellent tactile response, you can almost hear and feel each hair being cut. I think it's actually a very good profile for a beginner...

From what I've read, I think for a first razor you'd be better off with a full hollow & not the extra. You may enjoy the slightly heavier half-hollow. As for material, stainless is a little more forgiving when it comes to preventing corrosion/acid etching from fingerprints. It can still happen, but not as quickly as on a carbon blade.

Hope that helped?

The hollow will give you more feedback which may be helpful however in the end they are all quality pieces and you should get the one you like the most.

That last one is actually Prima Klang, but all three, with a round nose, are fine razors for a discerning beginner. Everyone has an opinion on hollow grinds, but my opinion is that one is not better than another for a beginner. If you like the asthetics equally, maybe go with the half hollow which shouldn't dissapoint you regardless of where your interests develop.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided on the ebony full hollow stainless. It seems like a good mid way and it aesthetically appeals to me allot. I decided on stainless so that I hopefully get more shaving time and practice out of it before I have to send it away for a hone, or risk ruining it trying to hone myself. But I think my next razor will be the Prima Klang, after I'm used to straight shaving.

Welli just ordered. The Dovo ebony silver still model, in 5/8. Had a last second change of mind.

So I ordered all this:
-dovo ebony silver steel razor
-Straight razor designs silver tip Brush #1
-Col. Ichabod conk shaving mug
-3" black latigo strop
-SRD shaving soap, west indies bay
-Styptic pencil
-brush stand
-Lynn Abrams DVD on straight shaving
-Razorock XXX shaving cream soap
-razorock handmade after shave wax

So I think I'm set to go can't wait, should be the best 21st birthday present to myself, ever, considering I'll only have one 21st...

Nice setup! Happy b-day