My First Razor (Sorta)

First post... Long time viewer, relatively new Straight shaver. Here goes:

So I got a "vintage" Straight Razor from my father, He uses a 5 bladed face-shredder now. And I got it Honed by a local barbar near my campus. I've been using that for a while and really enjoy it, but, with Christmas coming, my father and mother have offered to buy me a new DOVO, they gave me a price range, and working with it, I have two blades to decide between. DOVO Best Quality with a 6/8th spine, or the DOVO Special (Faux Tortoise Shell Handle). Which would you guys suggest for my first 'Real' Razor? For record, I am purchasing through Vintage Blades LLC (So that Lynn is my honemeister, by popular recommendation.) I have been getting excellent shaves, but the vintage blade has lost a bit of blade mass over the years, and doesn't feel balanced... So, I ask you, 'O Veteran Bladesingers, which would suit me better for my first real straightie. I can't see there being /that/ much difference -at least not for a new guy- between the Special and the Best Quality, But I wanted an opinion. Also, I'd like to save money if possible, so if there isn't too finite of a difference between the two, I'd lean towards the Best Quality.

For final notes, if it's at all important, I use the Tony Miller "Artisan" 3" Red Latigo and Smooth Cotton strop (Love it, they're amazing strops) A Pure badger brush, and Colonel Conk Bay Rum Glycerin Shave Soap.

That should be everything. Thank'ee for the help, and sorry that was so long-winded.

Welcome!

Either would be a great start. Just pick the one that fits your eye the best. I have always liked the special in tortise myself. However, that ebony silver steel sure looks pretty too...so do those TIs....:) It's your choice and I think the quality will be equal.

Well, in the interest of saving money, since you didn't indicate a really distinct difference in the two models, I think I'll go with the 6/8ths Best Quality, full hollow ground one

I don't think there'd be much of a difference. Certainly not one that would be noticeable when first starting out. Save money now and you will have more for later when you "need" to buy more razors.

I've just heard a whole bunch of great things about the Special, when properly honed, being some amazing piece of sexy bladely shineyness... I couldn't think of any more ridiculous adjectives...

But I figured I'd start off with a well known name like DOVO (By a friend's recommendation) and a thoroughly lauded sharpener like Lynn, but try to keep it cheaper where possilble

Just looking at the price range, there's another option on the classifieds here for a used one.

Dovo Bismarck 6/8

I'm ridiculously OCD and intend to go with a new one... I'm insane, I know, but it's one of my 'things'