Thread: Joining the straight razor world

Originally Posted by Ruffrider

I read here Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki that best quality isn't a good razor, but I'm not sure if they're talking about the same best quality dovo razor. I have been reading good things about it and might go with a starter kit with the dovo best quality at SRD. . . .

a) It's a different razor. The Dovo "Best Quality" is OK.

b) An SRD starter kit is a good bet. Get any width you want, but I suggest a _round point_, rather than a square point.

. . Charles

Ruffrider,
The best quality in the "bad razor list" isn't a Dovo. The Dovo Best Quality is a decent razor to start with. The differences you ask about, and without re-typing them are the Ebony and Imitation Tortoise are different scale materials and subsequently can cost more. The Bismarck is a different grind. It's a shoulderless razor and the thumb notch can make stropping a little different for those not used to having it, but it's not that hard to adjust to, especially if it's your first razor. You haven't developed a feel for another type of tang and you'll develop a style of stropping for it more easily.

Which Dovo Best Quality to get? You'll notice that there are really only two prices. One for the 5/8 width, and one for the 6/8 width. For the extra $5 I'd pick the 6/8 razor. The only other difference is scales, aesthetics, and personal preference on which set of scales you like. *But, for $5 I think the 6/8 is the better choice.

For the strop, the 3" is the best choice and I recommend the webbing. The premium fabric is cotton and I find I like the nylon webbing much better for regular & pasted applications.

I think I've covered it all, but if you have additional questions or would like additional info, please ask and I'm sure we can help! Either of the Dovo's you mentioned would be an excellent choice. Also, if you buy from SRD the razor comes "shave ready" (no stropping, etc. necessary before the first shave) and it comes with a coupon for a free honing!! Good Luck, and Good Shaves!!!

Regards,
Howard

I really want to shell out the extra money for a Bismarck, but I'm afraid I'll probably mess it up for a first straight and money is super tight right now not sure if it'd be worth it since I've never tried straight shaving, but it looks so nice going to kick myself if I fall in love with straight shaving and don't have the Bismarck. I think the best quality might be best for me right now until I get the hang of it and all. I didn't think it was going to be so hard to decide on a razor. When you said "the premium fabric is cotton and I find I like the nylon webbing much better for regular and pasted applications" what did you mean by pasted applications.

Pasted Applications are when you add something to the material to make it polish the blade better. There are sprays and pastes (like toothpaste consistency) in different types and grits (like sandpaper has different grits) that you use with the secondary, non-leather strop.

[QUOTE=Ruffrider;1033091]I read here Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki that best quality isn't a good razor, but I'm not sure if they're talking about the same best quality dovo razor.

The Dovo Best Quality is noted on the bottom of the page as being an exception.

Originally Posted by Ruffrider

what did you mean by pasted applications.

There are different products that are used on, usually and I'd recommend, a dedicated fabric strop. They are abrasive and one use is to maintain a razor between honings. Not all are pastes as I called it, but some are powder, liquid spray on, etc. Here's a link to the wiki that covers the majority of sharpening processes including pastes, etc. saves a lot of typing. Also the type of fabric to use is a preference thing also. I like the webbed material, but the pressed wool is also excellent, just not my preferred, and I know there will be those that like the premium fabric, so it's one of those things that in the end, and as you can, you'll have to try each and decided which you like. Enjoy the article!!
What hone(s), paste(s), or spray(s) do I need? - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Regards,
Howard

I'm confused is the paste for stropping or honing? If its for stropping will I need a paste right away or can strop without a paste for awhile?

Originally Posted by Ruffrider

Is there a good traditional straight I could get for a $100? I'm leaning more towards disposables cause they seem cheaper.

As thebigspendur said,Check the classifieds, plenty to choose from there.

Originally Posted by Ruffrider

I'm confused is the paste for stropping or honing? If its for stropping will I need a paste right away or can strop without a paste for awhile?

Forget the paste, a basic setup should include: razor, strop, brush and soap, eventually a barber hone. This set up will keep you going for life.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Forget the paste, a basic setup should include: razor, strop, brush and soap, eventually a barber hone. This set up will keep you going for life.

Thanks I hope this really does keep me going for life I'll save so much money in the long run. I think I'm going to spend the extra money and get the SRD kit with the Dovo Bismarck razor. I figure if I like straight razor shaving I'm going to end up buying the Bismarck anyway cause I love the way it looks so might as well buy it in the first place. Going do some more research and hopefully pull the trigger tomorrow.