Thread: A few beginner questions

Welcome mschenoweth!

A lot of guys have recommended ralf aust and I would definitely say they are great razors I managed to sneak in quick and buy one of the rosewood 6/8th when SRD got a shipment. If you can (I sure couldn't ) wait i would definitely recommend trying to find a Ralf Aust for a first razor! Keep looking around and you can find something you really want somewhere and won't have to settle!

The shavingshop.com has some ralph's in stock, albeit in plastic scales but they also have some other very reputable razors on there that look great and have nice wood scales.

If you are set on a Dovo, however, take a look at the superior shave Dovo page (Link) Jarrod is very knowledgeable and will answer any and all questions you have for him about a blade. I just made a couple purchases from him not too long ago and couldn't be happier. Almost all of his Dovo's are in stock right now and if you could probably find one that suits your taste. The palisander and silver steel are two great looking razors as well as the bismark. Just depends on your price range really and a little different shave with the shoulder-less bismark.

Good luck picking a razor and enjoy the journey!

Originally Posted by mschenoweth

Yeah, I've read that on other websites too. One website said that Dovo is like a year behind on their orders or something.



Thanks for taking the time to look. Its like there's a drought on wood scales. I think I have decided on buying the Dovo Inox off of this website. Still doing some more searching though before I make my purchase..

Just to weigh in, I've ordered a few items from classicedge.ca, and couldn't be happier. They even threw in some complimentary gifts, and a nice little hand-written note. The razor was honed to perfection. I think you'll be happy with this choice.

I'll second the recommendation of the Dovo Palisander, or any other 6/8 Dovo with that blade. They seem to realize they have a winner with that blade, and it's out in a lot of trim levels. For me (glove size large) it is ergonomic perfection, and the shoulderless grind is very strop-friendly. (I have blades whose stabilizers like to climb up and ride the leather--small complaint, but there it is). They're in stock at The Superior Shave, priced differently based on how pretty the scales are. Gotta say that's a little weird, but there it is. He often has some nice strops there, too.

Best wishes

Originally Posted by pitrik

Just to weigh in, I've ordered a few items from classicedge.ca, and couldn't be happier. They even threw in some complimentary gifts, and a nice little hand-written note. The razor was honed to perfection. I think you'll be happy with this choice.

Yeah, I finally decided to order the Dovo Inox from them. Ultimately, I really liked the wood scales and most of the other sites were out of theirs.

But thank you guys for all of your input; it was definitely helpful in making my decision.
Now I just have to figure out which shaving soap/cream and aftershave to buy lol...

Originally Posted by mschenoweth

Now I just have to figure out which shaving soap/cream and aftershave to buy lol...

Well, here's a link to get you started (if you haven't already checked it out): Soaps & Creams

I know you already purchased a razor. Just curious as to why you did not consider a disposable blade straight razor either from Dovo or Feather.

Hi
I just purchased a Ralf Aust 5/8" black handle from "Straight Razor Designs". It was $99.99 and came in about three days. They hand hone the razor before shippins so it just needs a good Stroping and you are ready to go. They also give you a coupon for your next sharpening free. Also if you use strop paste from "The Art of Shaving" about $10.00 the edge will last longer and you will not need to sharpen as often. See my review of the razor on "Straight Razor Designs" website.

I bought my razor from classic edge and everything was great. It got to me in the mail within a week. They honed it to a truly shave ready state and you get a 2nd hone when you need it later.

Originally Posted by MrWonderful

I know you already purchased a razor. Just curious as to why you did not consider a disposable blade straight razor either from Dovo or Feather.

Honestly, I never really gave much thought to purchasing a disposable razor. In general, I am the kind of guy to go 'all in' for things that I am interested in. My personal philosophy is if you are going to do something, then try to acquire the best possible gear at the start (within reason of course); otherwise you will just end up having to replace your original gear and spending the money anyway. I am in no way saying that disposable razors are bad. I haven't done my research on them and thus couldn't say. It's more of a personal preference thing though.

Originally Posted by bouschie

Hi
I just purchased a Ralf Aust 5/8" black handle from "Straight Razor Designs". It was $99.99 and came in about three days. They hand hone the razor before shippins so it just needs a good Stroping and you are ready to go. They also give you a coupon for your next sharpening free. Also if you use strop paste from "The Art of Shaving" about $10.00 the edge will last longer and you will not need to sharpen as often. See my review of the razor on "Straight Razor Designs" website.

SRD was where I originally wanted to purchase my razor; unfortunately, they didn't have the styles I wanted in stock. I will have to look into the strop paste though, as I haven't read too much about using it.

Originally Posted by cosperryan

I bought my razor from classic edge and everything was great. It got to me in the mail within a week. They honed it to a truly shave ready state and you get a 2nd hone when you need it later.

Yeah, they were where I purchased my razor from. I am still waiting on my gear to come in, but I will probably post some reviews after I get it.