Thread: Joining the straight razor world

Hey guys I'm looking to buy my first straight razor. What would be good for a begginer. I have done some research and from what I read i was thinking about getting a Feather ss which has the replaceable blades or a true straight razor kit from whipped dog. I am leaning more toward the ss for the fact I wouldn't have to strop and hone. I would probably just mess it up so I was thinking to start with the feather. Do you guys have any other recommendations? Also my budget is a $100. Also are the kits from whipped dog used or new? Thanks in advance.

welcome to the forum & good luck with your future shaves!

I'm starting with a Dovo Shavette, similar to the Feather SS but I believe there are more options for the blade in both length and type (universal holders I believe).

The reason why I went with the Shavette over the Feather SS is due to the cost of a Dovo Best Quality. I figured if I'm going to spend sometime in the neighbourhood of a full straight but have DEs then I might as well just pony up for the straight.

I believe a lot of guys recommend a Dovo Best Quality 5/8 or 6/8 full hollow for the first razor since its right in the middle in terms of options to play with so you know what is best for you.

Whipped Dog razors are vintage razors that have been honed up. While I have little experience with the feathers, I prefer the feel of a traditional straight razor.
Don't forget that there are usually some great deals had here on our classifieds, vendors, and many who advertise here.
I started on a severe budget (didn't have a job), it is very possible. If you need recommendations for inexpensive ways to get started just send me a PM.

It's a personal decision.

A disposable-feather type is less forgiving than a straight razor. The feather razors because they are more substantial have more of a straight feel to them. Really, if you intend using a straight at some point you might as well just get one to begin with. Check the classifieds and get a basic serviceable razor and a basic strop and the other stuff you can buy basic at first. Honing and stropping are just parts of the skill set you need to use a straight. If you are considering a shavette you might also consider a DE which will introduce you to the wet shave routine the same as a straight.

I have read that I should stay away from the best quality razors as they're not so good. The reason I wanted to go with A disposable is because I don't know how to hone and strop and don't want to ruin the razor before I learned how to use it. I'm still trying to decide which way I want to go.

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

I've picked up half a dozen razors off the Classifieds here and they were all in the $25-$45 range, all shave ready and in perfectly usable condition. The ones under $100 don't sit long so check there a couple times a day and you'll score 'well' under $100 and that includes honing by someone from the Forum! Great deals out there and the way to grab them is to check back there often and have your PayPal Account ready to rock.

Originally Posted by Ruffrider

I have read that I should stay away from the best quality razors as they're not so good. The reason I wanted to go with A disposable is because I don't know how to hone and strop and don't want to ruin the razor before I learned how to use it. I'm still trying to decide which way I want to go.

Well I don't know who said the Dovo Best isn't any good. Just to let you know - I still love mine.

Stropping and honing is half the fun, but it does takes a bit of cash and learning.

All the very best. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

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. The problem with a used razor for me is I don't know which is good or bad and by the time I find out they're sold and I have to start over again lol. Though I realized one thing I'm going with a traditional straight now. So another question is what's the difference between the dovo Silver steel ebony, dovo best quality, Dovo imitation tortoise and dovo Bismarck? Really like the look of the Bismarck, but read it is hard to strop as well as hard to use because of the thumb notch anyone have experience with the Bismarck? If I did settle with a Dovo Best Quality which one should I get? They're are so many different one. I think I'm going to go with the strop and razor kit only from SRD. I am going with a 3 inch strop should I get matched webbing for the back or go premium? I know some people go SRD premium, but I'm not sure what premium does.

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.

Straight Razor Designs (and some other vendors) will sell you a new Dovo "Best Quality" -- hand-honed and 'shave ready' -- for about $80.

There is nothing "wrong" with that razor.

You'll also need a strop. You won't need a hone for a while (months, probably).

You can get a really nice vintage blade for $100 or less in the "Classifieds" on this website. Prices here are pretty competitive. The buyers are usually sophisticated, and over-priced stuff doesn't sell. And junk doesn't get listed.

Larry, at WhippedDog.com , will sell you a complete vintage-razor "Sight Unseen" kit for a price that's hard to beat. The razor may not be pretty, but it will be sharp.

charles

PS -- you need to decide if you want to go cheap, or go new and blingy. The Bismarck is outside your stated budget.

Charles