Thread: Newbie with gradpa's straight razor

Hi Everyone,


I'm interested in learning about straight razors and how to properly use them. I was going to buy one but found out that my deceased grandfather had one and its a black dorko that was made in germany. Above is a picture I found on google that looks like the one my grandfather had I was hoping someone could tell me about it and whether its any good. I'm guessing I need to get it sharpened or honed before I use it. I was wondering if someone could lead me to where I can learn how to properly shave using a straight razor so I dont hurt myself. Also, how would I hone it myself?

Hello, welcome, here you can find most answers to your questions, search and read.
Dorko is a great razor, get it cleaned, honed and enjoy.
For your other questions:
Look in the different forum sections and you'll find most answers.
If in your profile you add where you live, that will make much easier to get in contact with nearby people.
At the beginning, forget honing by yourself, it's very difficult and you take the risk to damage the tiny blade. Go to a professional.

Welcome to SRP. Great to have a family heirloom that can be used today and handed down to the next generation. You say it is a Dovo ..... that is a quality razor. Curious, does it have 'Fritz Bracht' stamped on the other side of the tang ?

Here is the SRP library. You can find the beginner's guide and so on within it. I would not recommend you try and hone the heirloom razor yourself. Here is the SRP classifieds ..... go to "member services" and send that razor out for pro honing. Members offer the honing and restoring service for a nominal fee.

If you can post a photo of the razor we could better advise you as to whether the condition warrants the expense of the honing and whatever else.

Welcome to SRP I have too just arrived and there are lots of helpful hands and Answers here. Good Luck.

Welcome aboard.....that's how I got started , with grandpaps razor!!! just wanted to keep the tradition going.Get it honed up and watch a lot of videos on you tube and watch them again...lots of info on straight razor place. It's gonna take some time to learn the craft...but we will be here for ya !!!!!!

As of now I don't have a picture as I forgot it at my parent's house. But I would guess it needs to be honed up since it hasnt been in use for probably 10 years at least.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Great to have a family heirloom that can be used today and handed down to the next generation. You say it is a Dovo .....

Jimmy,
Dorko but everthing else dead on,
that is a great piece to have congrats and welcome in the Lather is warm...

Fantastic! I have both of my Grandad's razors. It has been a real treat to be able to shave with them. I would suggest obtaining a second one to begin with then once you know how you can use your Grandad's to shave with. Good luck,
Happy shaves!