Thread: Hello, sort of new straight razor user

Hello I have been using a shavette for the past year honing my skills (yep I typed that). I'm thinking of purchasing a razor built by Jacob Ray Creations or possibly a Hart Steel. I would like to know if anyone has used either of these razors and what their experience has been with them. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

First of all, welcome to our little part of the world!
To answer you question: I don't know about Jacob Ray, but Hart makes fine razors. However, I would not buy either for my first straight razor because of the cost. You might not even like shaving with a straight, and those are both fairly heavy investments. Don't forget, you will also need to buy a strop to go with either one.
For a first straight razor, a simple 5/8 is probably your best best. Also I would HIGHLY recommend a round point unless you like the rugged scarred look on your face
If you take a look in the classified here, you will find good deals on razors that will most likely come shave tested and ready. (It will say so in the ad)
This is a friendly and helpful bunch here, so please don't hesitate to ask questions because we were all new to straight shaving at some point.

Sorry it should be Hello, not Hell, not a great start, I apologzie

Originally Posted by GoldenMonkey

Sorry it should be Hello, not Hell, not a great start, I apologzie

That was actually hilarious...think everyone knew what happened - welcome to the forum....think you'll get on fine.

Thanks! I will take a look at the classifieds here. I have been using a Dovo Shavette for the past year, but I realize that is a bit different than using a regular straight razor. Thank you for the recommendation on the round point, I'm not that interested on the scarred look.

I'm with Ernie on getting started.
Read the great Wiki, check out the Classifieds for a couple of 5/8 or 6/8 round points to get started along with the rest of the kit that you don't have. Some of the vendors will re-hone for the price of the postage (this comes in handy...)
I have three Harts in the rotation and they are great razors - but what you like will probably change with experience so try to pace yourself...

Good luck, you are amongst friends (and enablers)

Originally Posted by GoldenMonkey

Thanks! I will take a look at the classifieds here. I have been using a Dovo Shavette for the past year, but I realize that is a bit different than using a regular straight razor. Thank you for the recommendation on the round point, I'm not that interested on the scarred look.

What's wrong with the "scarred" look?

Some of the guys are having a small get together on Oct 10 at the Colorado Blvd Garlic Knot you should REALY try and make that

Welcome to SRP


PS: I fixed yer title

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

What's wrong with the "scarred" look?

Anyway, here's my Hart. 6/8 square point "not a Replica". Love it
Now, " something more serious". These are heavy blades. 1/4 hollow,as aposed to full hollow. The balance and feel from a shavette is dramatic. But by all means go "all in". Only you can decide what's right for you.
You may still end up getting a full hollow as well and experiment with the different grids like I have.
I own near wedge, 1/4, 1/2, and full hollow. They all have their place in shaving. It's all what you like.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Some of the guys are having a small get together on Oct 10 at the Colorado Blvd Garlic Knot you should REALY try and make that

Welcome to SRP


PS: I fixed yer title

Put. This. On. Your. Calendar....(if there is any way you can)
It will shorten all of the learning curves...let you handle different razors and the stropping and edge care pointers will save you so much time...
Coupled with your Dovo experience this will be a quick transition.