Thread: New eager member

Originally Posted by Mechromancer

Just take a look at Amazon and eBay. Most of the stainless straight razors are a brand that is on the list to avoid. If the manufacture is reputable then those razors do not fall into this category. All razors will eventually loosen up, thus a nick in the blade is an eventual possibility with metal scales or liners. Even the pin will eventually wear out.

I'm not saying that all stainless straights are junk. Just that there are going to be more stainless razor shaped objects being mass produced for next to nothing as opposed to high quality stainless razors produced by skilled craftsmen at an expected price range. Stainless is just the standard choice for cheap sharp objects.

The statement really isn't that bold at all. "More often than not" just means more than half the time.

I just find it to be a bit too general a statement is all...it might lead a newbie to think that stainless in general is inferior when it's just different. I would have worded it more along the lines of "most of the razor shaped objects on ebay are junk" lol

Thank you all for your kind advice. I went ahead and ordered one of the previously recommended razors (Dovo Carpe Diem multi wood handle), and have just ordered a non-leather strop from Tony Miller. I decided to just let SRD shave test the blade - I appreciate everyone's comments. Hopefully I'll get to do my first shave next week.

OK, I got my dovo this past week, got my strop yesterday. I viewed a couple of the shaving videos last night, and then tried out my first shave this morning. I didn't strop the blade prior to shaving since it was "shave ready." I was careful not get any water on the hinge or scales. I did both sides of the face, was careful to keep my angle < 30 degrees, and had no cuts (although my cheeks were quite sensitive afterwards and felt as if they HAD been cut). However, an unanticipated difficulty arose during my shave. I am near sited, wear spectacles, but had to take them off in order to get the right angle. Since I could not really see much, I had to lean in very close to the mirror over the sink. This was difficult, awkward, and a strain on my lower back.

Is this common, something I'll just learn to work around?

Hmm. I shave with my glasses on though do take them off to rinse my face and what not. Maybe take them off to do a partial pass where they are in the way and then put them back on and finish up? Could also be a good excuse to get one of those shaving mirrors on an expanding hinged arm for your shave den

I cheat and wear contact lenses, however, even without them I don't have too much trouble shaving as it becomes a more tactile thing as you get more experience.
As Matt suggested, just take off your glasses to do the sideburn area (which is the easiest to do anyway) and put them back on for the rest.

Originally Posted by kwlfca

I just find it to be a bit too general a statement is all...it might lead a newbie to think that stainless in general is inferior when it's just different. I would have worded it more along the lines of "most of the razor shaped objects on ebay are junk" lol

In my first reply to this thread I stated, "If you insist on stainless then make sure is from a reputable manufacturer." I think that was pretty clear and not misleading. I'm not sure why this had to become a discussion on semantics.

I think the avoid junk and buy quality message in my first reply came across clear enough.

Originally Posted by stream90

OK, I got my dovo this past week, got my strop yesterday. I viewed a couple of the shaving videos last night, and then tried out my first shave this morning. I didn't strop the blade prior to shaving since it was "shave ready." I was careful not get any water on the hinge or scales. I did both sides of the face, was careful to keep my angle < 30 degrees, and had no cuts (although my cheeks were quite sensitive afterwards and felt as if they HAD been cut). However, an unanticipated difficulty arose during my shave. I am near sited, wear spectacles, but had to take them off in order to get the right angle. Since I could not really see much, I had to lean in very close to the mirror over the sink. This was difficult, awkward, and a strain on my lower back.

Is this common, something I'll just learn to work around?

If you're getting a burning sensation like that, try using less pressure. Make sure you have moisture and good lather on your face too.

Originally Posted by Mechromancer

In my first reply to this thread I stated, "If you insist on stainless then make sure is from a reputable manufacturer." I think that was pretty clear and not misleading. I'm not sure why this had to become a discussion on semantics.

I think the avoid junk and buy quality message in my first reply came across clear enough.

You're the only one discussing anything here...a month and a half later. Let's try to stay on topic in the thread please.