Hello all, new here

**hdias4** · 03-23-2009, 06:01 AM

Hi my name is Haime, and I've been wanting to get into straight razor shaving for a long time. I finally decided to look on the web and found you guys.
I have read lots of info for the last couple days and I want to make a purchase within the next couple days and start practicing.
I'm looking for new razors, I like the DOVO Straight Razor - Micarta Ivory SS - 5/8, its rounded so it will save me some cuts

Also going to get a strop, but is a honing stone also right away or will i have couple months use before needing to hone?
If i get the Dovo from bestgroomingtools.com will the razor just need some stropping?
Any info will be trully appreciated and thanks for such a cool Place.

Haime

**kenneyty** · 03-23-2009, 06:08 AM

Welcome Haime. You should be straight for a while with just a strop. The strops I see most recommended around here comes from Tony Miller at The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier. (he's closed until the 30th, BTW) You can't go wrong with any of them- just order to your preference and budget. If you order from him, you can request that he throw in a practice strop for just a little extra cash (>$10 if I recall) and it is WELL worth it. I can pretty much guarantee you are going to put some nicks in your strop while you're learning, and you might as well be doing it on a practice strop rather than some gorgeous high end one.
You may want to pick up a barber hone or a paddle strop with some sharpening pastes after a month or two as learning to strop means you won't be doing it properly and your edge won't last quite as long.
Be sure to get the "pre-honed" option wherever you order it (your razor) from. You can be safe with any of the advertisers on this site. As you may have read, "pre sharpened" rarely means it really is unless you get it from one of these well reputed dealers.
Other than that, good luck!

**hdias4** · 03-23-2009, 06:17 AM

Thanks Tyler, I'll be getting my strop from them. Any advice on the razor itself?
Thanks

**Leighton** · 03-23-2009, 06:26 AM

Buy "shave ready" is the best advice we can give. Don't rule out used and vintage razors either, great deals to be had in that market. Classifieds here and at B&B are chock full of affordable straights.

No, you shouldn't need to touch up your razor for a month or two, maybe more. Like Tyler said, barber's hone is all thats needed.

**kenneyty** · 03-23-2009, 06:49 AM

The Dovo micarta is cool. I personally started with a round point too (Dovo silver steel Ebony) because I was nervous about cutting myself. I ditched that round point the instant I shaved with my first spike (which is just barely rounded). If you have a beard or mustache to trim around, you'll appreciate the added accuracy it provides. The "right razor" is really a matter of preference. Dovo is a fine brand, but you probably won't see too many vets showing them off in their collections. I personally (and many other shavers here will agree) like more heft to my blade than any of the newer brands provide. They can be more forgiving. I wouldn't start with a wedge, but something thicker than a full hollow is nice.

I'm absolutely not trying to talk you out of the Dovo. If it speaks to you, get it. But there's a big beautiful world out there to explore, and if you enjoy this at all, you're going to end up with several very soon- bet on it.

Classifieds here are also great as Leighton said. You'll quickly realize that a perfect shine doesn't make a perfect shave. Nothing wrong with starting out with a (within reason) beat up razor honed up by a proper honemeister. Classifieds also have several honing services if you pick up something that's not shave ready.

That's the #1 thing though- Get it honed by someone who knows what they're doing, or you'll be miserable.

**sebell** · 03-23-2009, 05:17 PM

Welcome to SRP, Haime! Good luck on you first shave, and
be sure to tell us all about it.

- Scott

**gugi** · 03-23-2009, 05:57 PM

Welcome Haime,

Originally Posted by hdias4

If i get the Dovo from bestgroomingtools.com will the razor just need some stropping?
Any info will be trully appreciated and thanks for such a cool Place.

Most likely not. Buy the one c utz has in the classifieds, if it's still there. It will be honed great and if you ask him to strop it you may not need to do this before the first shave.

good luck

**Dean65** · 03-23-2009, 10:11 PM

Welcome aboard Haime,
Look forward to hearing your results.

**coachmike** · 03-23-2009, 10:21 PM

Welcome to the forums Haime.. You've got the advice already, but I'll say it again, BUY SHAVE READY!!! We'll be here to try to help answer your questions along the way.

**hdias4** · 03-24-2009, 04:24 AM

Guys thanks for the welcome, I'll be sure to post the results and maybe some before and after pictures. Since I decided to get a straight razor I haven't shaved its been 2 weeks now lol

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