I need some help in getting started...

Hi, all. I am brand new to the world of straight razor shaving and I need some guidance before making my very first purchase(s). I have been doing a lot of research, but wanted to get some info from all of you with a bit of experience to help me in my decision making:

1. I have notice that certain sites (thewellshavedgentleman.com, vintagebladesllc.com) have razor kits that come equipped with seemingly everything I would need, including a classic black DOVO razor (5/8 and 6/8 respectively) - is this a good quality razor for me to begin with? Will the difference in size make much of a difference in my overall ability to get the hang of straight shaving?

2. I am getting the sense that a hanging strip with linen is a great choice for an everyday strop - I don't believe I actually have something to hang it on in my bathroom - should I rig something, or would it be better to purchase a bench strop or paddle strop?

3. Are the starter kits (as mentioned in #1) recommended, or is it best to purchase items separately?

4. Is any particular razor best for beginners (brand, size, etc.)?

I am going to thank you all in advance for any help you can give me - I am sure I will be back with other questions.

Welcome aboard.
1) Those 5/8 and 6/8 DOVOs are pure business. Not beautiful but they'll give you very clean shaves.
2) Tony's strops come with hardware and you can use a large carabiner to snap it onto a towel bar or towel ring. Even though bench/paddle strops could be used for regular stropping, they're better for touching up your razor's edges (when treated with abrasive pastes)
3) There are many ways to go about it, but you won't feel sorry if you buy a kit from Tony. It's got everything you need to get going.
4) As long as it's not from Pakistan and it's been honed properly, it's all good :tu

Looks to me like you're on the right track.

1) Dovo's are well respected razors and well spoken of. Any difference between the 5/8 and 6/8 would be negligible and either would be a good choice for a first razor. That Well Shaved fellow makes fabulous strops himself and is also a great guy to deal with.

2) Rig the hang I say.

3) That's a personal preference. Everything Tony sells is grade A, but you can (as I did) put together your gear yourself out of the gate, but there's more thinking involved. :thinking:

4) There are dozens of great antique brands. Of the new line brands it's almost exclusively Dovo orThiers-Issard. Don't think you're getting a deal with one of those new Zeepk or Masters razors you see on eBay. If you see one you think might work you can ask us what we think first and we'll make sure you atay on course. As I mentioned earlier 5/8 or 6/8 are good first razor sizes simply because they're easier to learn stropping on which is an essential element to a great shave and bad stropping will ruin the shaving edge.

Welcome aboard. :)

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