Greetings from Chesapeake Virginia

Hi all!
I have spent the last several years thinking about straight razors but was clueless about the subject. After pouring over this site and SRD, I felt confident enough to purchased my first straight razor. It's a Dovo 5/8 Blondie from SRD, that comes with the strope. I also purchased a 4000/8000 combo stone which I shouldn't need for a while, but my youngest son, who has purchased a Gold Dollar razor, may need it to get his razor shave ready. Looking forward to receiving my razor in the mail sometime soon. Very excited about diving into this with my youngest son.

Welcome. I'm nearby in Nags Head, NC.

Welcome to SRP!
The Dovo from SRD is an excellent start. Good razor and professionally honed.
Make sure your read through the Beginner's section in the Library here Straight Razor Place Library:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Library
Feel free to ask us any questions you have.

As for your son's razor, I'd send it back. It can take considerable honing effort to get them sharp if it is even possible. There is a reason for the price difference between yours and his.

Hi and welcome. as Cris said the Gold Dollar may need to be corrected before it can be honed. Unless you know what you are doing your going to have a hard time getting it ready if you can. Get him a vintage razor. You can get them in great condition for 30 to 40 dollars and avoid all the frustration. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome aboard!

I'm one of at least two members in Hampton Roads... perhaps we can get together sometime.

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Originally Posted by Dzanda

Welcome aboard!

I'm one of at least two members in Hampton Roads... perhaps we can get together sometime.

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Thanks for the welcome, and Definitely should meet up one day.

Always wanted to visit Nags Head. If I ever make the trip, I'll give you a heads up!

Thanks for the advice. I'm tracking a Genco on Ebay that I'm thinking about picking up as a replacement for the Gold Dollar if it becomes too frustrating for him. I've seen a ton of confilicting reviews on the Gold Dollar, but it seems that stainless steel blades in general seem to get a bad wrap. Is the issue with the Gold Dollar that it's just a crap razor, or does it just require a different honing method, and a lot more time to get the job done?

There are plenty of quality stainless blades without issues. Gold Dollar razors are know for poor grinding, geometry etc that unless fixed first make it harder to hone. It could also just be a crap one and never take a edge

Thanks eddy79. Knowing my son's persistance, he will spend the next year or so trying every method he can find to get his Gold Dollar as sharp as my Dovo will be. He gets it from his father. It will be a good learning experience if nothing else. I have a replacement blade lined up for him if the Gold Dollar proves to be a complete waste.

Ahh... I see. So it's not the metal so much but the poor build quality. Ok. I will definately chronicle my son's experience with the Gold Dollar. If for no other reason than to confirm what the majority seems to have already figured out. Thanks so much for the great feedback all. I'm gona like it here!:D

There is a fair amount of information on here about the GD razors. Pretty sure a few threads deal with how to fix thier issues and get them going alright. Might be worth a bit of research before you start. Good luck