Which new str8 for me?

I've been shaving with a str8 for a few months now. I started with a Dovo stainless steel Shavette and got great shaves but had a lot of trouble with nicks. A kind fellow str8 shaver sent me a razor to use that had been given to him when he was starting out. It was a Wade & Butcher extra hollow ground 5/8. I never was able to get a good shave with this razor, it always pulled and acted like it was not honed properly. I sent it to Lynn to get him to hone it, but it still pulled and didn't shave right so I went back to the Shavette. I have indicated to my wife that I would like a new razor for Christmas and she seemed to think it was a good idea (I think she's tired of seeing all the blood). We'll be getting it from Ray and I'm wondering about which brand to get, what size to get, whether the "singing" blades would be right for me, and whether I need to have it honed before using it (I read the article Ray had on this on his site, but it was kind of confusing). Finally, I really have a budget limit of $100. Sorry for the long post, but I will really appreciate any advice on this. I value the opinions of the people on this board.

Smokey

I have a violet wood 'singing" 5/8 dovo and I love it. It is the first razor I have shaved with. I have been shaving for almost 3 months with a straight. I honed it on my own and have had great results. I finally sent it away for some professional honing since I thought it would be nice. I really love this razor and would highly recommend it. I can' speak for other razors, but I am sure you would love the singer over the shave-ette, I have never really cut myself and I don't get razor burn anymore like I did with the Mach 3.

Hello smokey,

To make better suggestions it might help to have more info from you, e.g.

1. Beard type, wiry, hard, tough, straggly, etc.

2. Skin type, sensitive, thick, oily, dry, etc.

Tough, hard beards often do well with a wider razor, for example 6/8" or 7/8" instead of 5/8". Very light, soft beards might prefer a 4/8".

Greetings,

lux

I would get one of the 6/8 Thiers-Issard razors from Ray's site is I wanted a really nice razor for just under $100. (actually I did <g>) Mine is the white handled Evide Sonnant and shaves like a dream. Splurge and get it sharpened too first so it is at it's best.

Tony

I agree with Tony. I also have a TI "Evide Sonnant Extra" but mine is a 5/8. I absolutely love it. The cost from Ray was $80 plus $5 or $6 shipping. You won't be disappointed if you go the TI route as Tony suggests. Continuing on what lux says, your beard will dictate which size blade you require. I have a heavy beard and my 5/8 works ok for me. Take Tony's advice and get the TI.

Just my $0.02

Jeff

Thanks for all the quick replies. Lux, I have a medium beard and fairly sensitive skin and tend to nick easily (or so it seems).

Smokey

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smokey

Thanks for all the quick replies. Lux, I have a medium beard and fairly sensitive skin and tend to nick easily (or so it seems).

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I find proper beard preparation to be a great help to my skin surviving the shave well. I'm looking at a Thiers-Issard for myself some day.

I myself am looking at the TIs for Xmas time. I think it is a maturity level when you stop looking at razors like bling bling and start focusing on the quality of the blades. I keep looking at all the pretty Dovos....

I think you'll do well with a TI 5/8. Like I said before, I've got a somewhat heavier beard and my TI "Evide Sonnant Extra" 5/8 gives me a great shave. It's a great razor (and it doesn't cost an upper lip or a chin... :eek: lol). Just make sure you get it honed by one of the honemeisters out here before you use it. It may say it's ready for use, but it's not shave ready.

Good luck...

Jeff