Thread: New member

Hi,

I'm a new member and about to buy my first straight razor - thought I'd buy a carbon steel one after reading various posts on this website.

I've looked at the TI and Dovo ranges at the Classicshaving website and like the look of the DOVO Extra Hollow Ground "Singing" Razor, 5/8 in African Thuyawood but its out of stock! Also looked on the Shavingshop website and really like the look of a 7/8 Discuswerfer 1000 or 7/8 Mella "Diamond" 105 - rosewood.

Appreciate any help, particularly if anyone has got any thoughts on the above straights or websites.

Thanks
Silverfoxone

Welcome...

There all good razors. I would advise you to stick with a 5/8s vs a 7/8. Its like asking if you should by a Porsche or a pick-up truck. The 7/8 is a lot of fun, especially if you have a moustache. Otherwise you'll feel like your trying to park that pick-up under your nose.

I'm not that familar with the shavingshop, generally I would advise you to buy from Classicshaving.com, for me quality customer service deserves my money. The only suggestion I have with the other company for you is...."Can you get other stuff from them that you might need?" I.E. Do you like T & H shaving creams and soaps? I just like to save on shipping. This is a small business area and I expect you'll develop a relationship with either vendor pretty quick. Either way though razors are usually non-refundable items anyway. Its like trying to return a toothbrush.

You might call classic and ask when they might get the razor you want. Whats your plan for getting the razor honed? These sound like pretty expensive razors...I've seen razors actually break apart from new guys honing.

Are there any other 5/8s you find interesting and do you have a moustache?

Alan,

John Crowley owns the Shaving Shop:

http://www.shavingshop.com/

RT

Thanx,

Silver, read that as its a high quality company also....I'm familiar with John Crowley. Good stuff.

Randy, John sells his stuff shave ready I think...true?

I am more partial to 7/8 than 5/8. I like the feel of a heavier blade reminds me not to press to hard, they are also easier to control.

Guys,

Yes John Crowley does hone the razors prior to shipping.

If I buy the Dovo then I believe Classic can ship it to Lyn (?) for honing.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

Silver

Welcome.

I am one of those that would advise to get at least a 6/8 blade even for a starter. You will probably want a wider blade than 5/8 as you gain experience and for me I found no harm in starting with a 6/8.

Then again, I honed my first blade and did not ruin it. I also started with a 1000 cc Honda Huricane rice burner, long ago, when everyone told me that it was too big and too fast for an inexperienced rider. I made out OK with that one too.

I find 5/8 blades a bit small and less controllable. Although 7/8 might be a bit too big to start with. In the end you will learn to shave with whatever razor you get, as long as it is shave ready.

So take all the advice with a grain of salt and compensate for your personallity and character.

Enjoy this (very) addictive hobby.

Yes you are correct they can ship to Lynn for an additional $20 and perhaps a weeks delay. And domestic shipping is free at shavingshop... thats nice. Starts to offset the costs. As you can see there are variances on width preference. I'd say at this point I'd go with shavingshop but mostly because the one you want is out at classicshaving.com. But I wouldn't buy a 7/8 for my first razor so thats up to you. I think you'll enjoy it though...I wouldn't buy the Honda Hurricane as my first bike either...

The preference of most on the site is the 6/8 size....

Generally, I think the razors at shavingshop are of the nicer, higher end variety. Since your looking at comparable prices, just looking at the value I'd head toward shavingshop (because of the razor quality of the two you are looking at).

While your there why don't you pick up one of those Bartman High Classes in 7/8 for me and I'll see how much I like that one... :-)

Welcome to our little end of the internet, Silver.

Lots of nice folks here who give good advice. Though if you ask two of us, you'll get at least three different opinions on most things. As you can clearly see.

My first razor was a big 'un from Classic Shaving, and I still use predominantly something in the 7/8 size. But, the 5/8 is probably the "classic" sized straight razor - or at least the most common size.

Whatever size you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck!

Believe that there will be more razors (hopefully only a few) in your future, so don't fret too much over which to get.

For a first razor, I must recommend a simple 5/8. Not only the shaving, but stropping and even honing is a diffferent experience for each width. 5/8 is the best balance between size, weight, cost and comfort. I don't mind my 6/8 Wade & Butcher (hell, I love it) and I'm still looking for a great 4/8, but 5/8 seems a more natural size for me. Each man's preference is different and is likely to change over time.

X

PS Welcome to the club.