Which kit to buy?

Hello SRP!

My name is Michael and I'm from Ontario, Canada and I've been asked by my girlfriend what I'd like for christmas. I came by this forum about a month ago when I was setting up my Movember account (it popped up in my related searches). In any case, I couldn't get it out of my head and when she asked what I wanted my gut reaction was "I want a straight razor!".

Then she asked which one (as her dad shaves with a straight razor) and frankly I had no idea what to tell her!

In any case I hopped on google and found a website that sells shaving equipment in Oakville, Ontario which is very close to where I live! They also have some holiday "starter sets" (shave ready) for new shavers at (seemingly) very reasonable prices with free shipping locally!

What I was hoping is if any of you (experienced) kind souls can help out a rookie and let me know which of these three sets I should pick I would be most appreciative!

This is the first: Dovo Straight Razor Starter Set w/Board Strop

This is the second: Dovo Straight Razor Starter Set w/Hanging Strop

This is the third: *Holiday Straight Razor Set By Dovo.

The first two have the same razor (I believe a Dovo Col. Ichabod Conk), the last has a Dovo C-mon. None are vintage, so they would be current Dovo hardware as I understand it?

One other difference is a "Board strop" vs a Hanging strop.. I really don't know which would be better?

Let's keep in mind I'm the kind of guy who likes to buy one thing and have it last for years so if I'm barking up the wrong tree altogether here please speak up and maybe recommend something different? I would however like to order from that place as they are local and my girlfriend's dad says the gentleman that runs that store is excellent at honing, provides very good stropping lessons and customer service overall. He's also close enough that I can drive over and see the owner if I have any real issues.

Thanks in advance!

Mike Lavdas

The first link sent is going to charge ~$30 to get a kit to me so I'd rather avoid that if possible. The second link you sent has some good looking stuff though most of it with free shipping to Canada! I've read that the "Best Quality" razors have a good reputation here on this forum yet I'm sure they must be entry level nonetheless? Any comparison to the razors I posted above (C-mon or Col. Conk). Based on Costabro's comment above I'd probably lean towards the C-mon blade from my original picks? But I just wasn't sure where they stand by comparison to the "Best Quality" Line? also will blade with (5/8" vs 5/6") make a difference?

Others here could give first-hand opinions on c-mon. I believe the c-mon to be a fine razor.....not that the other Dovos aren't.

I have ordered from Phil at classic edge and his service is excellent. Personally, I am not fond of sets. You might be better off spending more on a better razor and making your own set. I would recommend the theirs issard special coiffeur in either 5/8 or 6/8 or the dovo special tortoise. Buy a 3 inch strop and as for the brush, I think you have several great options on the site. Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mlavdas

Hello SRP!

My name is Michael and I'm from Ontario, Canada and I've been asked by my girlfriend what I'd like for christmas. I came by this forum about a month ago when I was setting up my Movember account (it popped up in my related searches). In any case, I couldn't get it out of my head and when she asked what I wanted my gut reaction was "I want a straight razor!".

Then she asked which one (as her dad shaves with a straight razor) and frankly I had no idea what to tell her!

In any case I hopped on google and found a website that sells shaving equipment in Oakville, Ontario which is very close to where I live! They also have some holiday "starter sets" (shave ready) for new shavers at (seemingly) very reasonable prices with free shipping locally!

What I was hoping is if any of you (experienced) kind souls can help out a rookie and let me know which of these three sets I should pick I would be most appreciative!

This is the first: Dovo Straight Razor Starter Set w/Board Strop

This is the second: Dovo Straight Razor Starter Set w/Hanging Strop

This is the third: *Holiday Straight Razor Set By Dovo.

The first two have the same razor (I believe a Dovo Col. Ichabod Conk), the last has a Dovo C-mon. None are vintage, so they would be current Dovo hardware as I understand it?

One other difference is a "Board strop" vs a Hanging strop.. I really don't know which would be better?

Let's keep in mind I'm the kind of guy who likes to buy one thing and have it last for years so if I'm barking up the wrong tree altogether here please speak up and maybe recommend something different? I would however like to order from that place as they are local and my girlfriend's dad says the gentleman that runs that store is excellent at honing, provides very good stropping lessons and customer service overall. He's also close enough that I can drive over and see the owner if I have any real issues.

Thanks in advance!

Mike Lavdas

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I got this one. Amazon.com: DOVO 506B 6/8 Col Conk Straight Razor with Full Shaving Set: Health & Personal Care My first shave was great. I didn't nic myself once. I did find the brush to be cheap as the bristles started falling out on my first lather. The "leather" case was some sort of synthetic although it did not claim it to be leather in the description but I figured with the money I spent they could have included a leather one. All in all the razor seems very nice for the price and shaved well, but I am a beginner shaving for my first time over the weekend.

Hmmm. an $85 razor. A $14 brush/mug set they sell at wal-mart....a pleather case...what am I missing? Send it back.