Thread: My Startup Gear

I've got a strop, brush and mug, and I've messed around with a cheap blade. Now I'm ready to get a razor I can actually shave with.

I like the looks of the Dovo Classic "Special" 5/8. There are no fancy decorations to worry about messing up. I do wonder what 'composite material' the handle is made of, but I suspect I'll like it better than celluloid, especially if its anything like Pakawood. But I'm also tempted by the Timor "Blue Steel" 5/8, which is the same price, but has a sleek look. Since the stain apparently goes deep, it seems like it wouldn't be hard to maintain the look, but how much harder would it be to maintain than the plainer one?

I'm also looking at getting a 4-sided paddle strop from The Well-Shaved Gentleman to use the abrasive paste method to maintain an edge and stretch out the time I've got before I have to re-hone. If I get the razor sharpened at the time of purchase, how long can I wait before I need to begin stropping with paste? That is, can I wait and make that purchase later?

Either of those would be a great choice for a starter razor. I prefer plain blades without all the fancy etching & gold trim. I can't say for certain, but the Timor Blue Steel is likely blued like firearms. They should both be equally easy to care for: rinse well with hot water after use, dry thoroughly after use, dry handles & between handles.

Whichever you choose, I really recommend using the sharpening service from ClassicShaving. It's $20 well spent. You'll gain a true appreciation for sharpness.

Your mileage between hitting the pasted strop will vary. A lot of it depends on your beard. I might hit the pasted strops once a month or so. It's a feel deal -- when the razor starts to tug a little, a few swipes on the pasted strops can renew the edge.

You won't go wrong with the Dovo "Special" 5/8. That was my first razor as well. However, when I received the razor it wasn't shave ready. Heed Kyle's advice and purchase the sharpening service Classicshaving offers. Lynn will put a keen edge on that puppy and you'll start off your straight shaving journey on the right foot. It will, indeed, be money well spent.

Jeff

I like the Dovo's have two and love them.

All advice given so far is excellent. Dovos are among the finest. The hard part is getting them (and all other razors) sharp and then becoming proficient at shaving. A good start is the 4000/8000 Norton. From there up is a matter of choice and experimentation. I like a Belgian cotticule and then a 15000 shapton followed by a plain hanging strop that has been conditioned with Fromm dressing.
Monte

Johnny, the Timor is a fine razor. I own one. I have to hit the paddle every few shaves or so with the Timor because my beard is so damn thick and coarse. I heard just today that the Swedish steel is a bit softer than Sheffied, for example. The Timor's blue-ing is very nice but you still need to polish the razor itself. It's a great shaver that's also a great value.

-Rob

Johnny,

The Dovo Specials are very good, don't worry about the handle.
I ordered one from classicshaving and received it yesterday after
it made a pit stop at Lynn's, classic"s honing guy and founder of this
forum. Shaved with it this morning and will have to give it two thumbs
up.

If you do order from classic take advantage of the honing service.
This is money well spent and make your initial learning experience
more enjoyable.


Good Luck,


Terry

Oh, yes. I'm definitely going to get the sharpening upgrade. I think my next misadventure in honing should begin with an idea of what a good razor with a proper edge on it looks and feels like.

Johnny,
I have sold both the Dovo and the Timor with my starter stes in the past. Both are nice razors but given a choice I would buy the Dovo instead. You can't go wrong with either but when I placed my razor order for the new year I went with Dovo this time.
Go for the sharpening upgrade as well. Nothing like starting with a properly sharpened razor. Lynn will do it up right!

Tony

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did put in an order for the Blue Steel, with sharpening, purely on aesthetic grounds. Although I love the stark minimalistic beauty of the Special, and it came highly recommended, I'm also a sucker for two-tone. I'm thinking about getting one of these mugs, too.

Possibly I should learn to use the first one before I plan my next blade purchase, but I'll probably want the Special. For my third, goodness, I do like the reddish wood handle on the Desert Ironwood, though I'd prefer a planer blade. And yet, I find the Bergischer Lowe gorgeous, and I usually don't even like gold tone.

Alright. I'm going to have to stop looking at these now. There's a perfectly decent blade already on its way.