Thread: First razor on a budget

I was thinking about getting a straight razor to try. I was thinking of either getting a 5/8 or 6/8 Dovo for about $80-85 plus a strop for about $25 totaling a little over $100. The other option would be to get a unseen razor from the whipped dog (either the unseen with defects or blemishes or the non blemished one) and a strop. So I am looking around $51-65 range.

If I go the whipped dog route, I would probably buy another nicer looking razor if I decide that I like straight shaving. I almost feel like the whipped dog option is like renting a house for awhile and then ending up buying it. The whole time you are renting it is kind of a waste of money BUT it gives you the opportunity to see if you like the house/razor.
If I go the Dovo route even though it isn't super fancy, it is nice enough looking that I will not buy a nicer straight razor for some time.

If you're just getting one to "try", you may want to consider starting with a shavette. You can get them for around $35-40 and not have to worry about getting a strop. Blades for them are super cheap. Though, if you're like me you'll fall in love with it and be purchasing a straight edge a week later!

It surprising just how expensive this addiction can become. Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by joepa150

I was thinking about getting a straight razor to try. I was thinking of either getting a 5/8 or 6/8 Dovo for about $80-85 plus a strop for about $25 totaling a little over $100. The other option would be to get a unseen razor from the whipped dog (either the unseen with defects or blemishes or the non blemished one) and a strop. So I am looking around $51-65 range.

If I go the whipped dog route, I would probably buy another nicer looking razor if I decide that I like straight shaving. I almost feel like the whipped dog option is like renting a house for awhile and then ending up buying it. The whole time you are renting it is kind of a waste of money BUT it gives you the opportunity to see if you like the house/razor.
If I go the Dovo route even though it isn't super fancy, it is nice enough looking that I will not buy a nicer straight razor for some time.

Either way you cannot go wrong. I have bought from whipped dog many times and have yet to be let down. They come professionally honed in the true sense. They are vintage and won't have gold wash or bells and whistles but neither of those have a thing to do with the way a razor shaves. One of my best shaving razors came from there. Larry who owns the place is a great guy. You can get a package with the poor mans strop and be set. If you go the Dovo route I suggest you buy from Straight Razor Designs or Vintagebladesllc. Both I have had great experiences with and they come professionally honed by Lynn Abrams the best in the business. Looks like you are on the right track!

Originally Posted by ccase39

Either way you cannot go wrong. I have bought from whipped dog many times and have yet to be let down. They come professionally honed in the true sense. They are vintage and won't have gold wash or bells and whistles but neither of those have a thing to do with the way a razor shaves. One of my best shaving razors came from there. Larry who owns the place is a great guy. You can get a package with the poor mans strop and be set. If you go the Dovo route I suggest you buy from Straight Razor Designs or Vintagebladesllc. Both I have had great experiences with and they come professionally honed by Lynn Abrams the best in the business. Looks like you are on the right track!

I don't know if Vintagebladesllc does this but Straight Razor Designs offer free 2nd honing (I assume that I have to pay to ship it there and hopefully they cover return shipping). Without shopping around honing usually is about $20 I thought so if you take that into consideration, that brings the price of the whipped dog razors and a Dovo closer (assuming the whipped dog doesn't offer free 2nd hones). This makes it a tough choice.

I bought a whipped dog razor with blemishes along with strop and brush there. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I spent relatively little to discover I enjoy SR shaving and won't be upset if something happens to it. Once I feel comfortable with shaving, stropping, etc I will purchase a new one. The blemished razor will then become my practice razor for honing and, again, if I mess up on it it's not as big of a deal.

Originally Posted by joepa150

I don't know if Vintagebladesllc does this but Straight Razor Designs offer free 2nd honing (I assume that I have to pay to ship it there and hopefully they cover return shipping). Without shopping around honing usually is about $20 I thought so if you take that into consideration, that brings the price of the whipped dog razors and a Dovo closer (assuming the whipped dog doesn't offer free 2nd hones). This makes it a tough choice.

You do have to pay for shipping there and back. But you have to everywhere.

Check.the classifieds here for a good starter razor most come honed, but for strop.and all cheap whipped dog way to go.. i just sold a wester bros cleaned polished and honed for 35..

I'd go with the Dovo 6/8 Special and a nice strop. Seems to me you can watch videos and read and figure out if you are going to like straight shaving or not. Too , the experience of shaving is enhanced when you value the equipment you use . Its easy to move a Dovo and Strop on for sale if/ when you tire of it , can't see that happening so easily with the Whipped Dog product. Not condemning WDP at all, the seller is really doing wetshavers a service.

Not to argue your point but I have sold a razor I got from Whipped Dog on ebay and wound up getting more for it than I paid. Im not saying these results are typical, but it was cool none the less.

Originally Posted by joepa150

I don't know if Vintagebladesllc does this but Straight Razor Designs offer free 2nd honing (I assume that I have to pay to ship it there and hopefully they cover return shipping). Without shopping around honing usually is about $20 I thought so if you take that into consideration, that brings the price of the whipped dog razors and a Dovo closer (assuming the whipped dog doesn't offer free 2nd hones). This makes it a tough choice.

That definitely is something to consider when you weigh your options. Get what you can afford. Either avenue you choose will get you a great shaving razor so you are covered there. The second honing very well may come in handy. I nicked my first one on the faucet the first week I had it. Luckily I had just bought a Norton stone and was able to get it out by lightly doing a few strokes on it, but looking back I don't know how the hell I got that lucky. With no experience honing I could have very well made it even worse than it was with just the nic in it.