Yet to start. Doing my research :)

[nissassagame]

I'm Dave from Alberta (originally Newfoundland). I'm 31.

I had a straight shave done by barber a few years back and thought it was awesome.

Now I want to do it myself. So I joined this great site and away I go. I'm doing my research.

Thinking about a DOVO. Can I get a honed DOVO? If not, where can I get it done? Should I eventually be honing my razors myself?

Just a few quick questions

Wish me luck and....Cheers!

[JimmyHAD]

Welcome to SRP Dave. To get started the best place to check out is the beginner's guide in the SRP Wiki here . There are vendors of Dovos who hone them to shave ready. Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving and Vintage Blades being a few of them. You can hone your own eventually but I would recommend you focus on learning to strop and to shave before worrying about honing. Ask any questions you have and members will be more than glad to help out.

[mainaman]

Welcome to SRP.
You can get DOVO from Straight Razor Designs, it will come shave ready.
Do not learn how to hone until you learn how to maintain the edge of the razor, instead send the razor out for honing. You can check out the classifieds for honing services when the time comes.

[nissassagame]

Just a few minutes and I've gotten great info. Thanks guys!

[nissassagame]

I'm liking the Dovo Red "Bismark" 6/8" Good starter razor? Something I could be happy with for a long time? I'll be looking at the reviews as well

[mainaman]

I'm liking the Dovo Red "Bismark" 6/8" Good starter razor? Something I could be happy with for a long time? I'll be looking at the reviews as well

the Bismark is a great razor, you will be happy with it.

[Stubear]

Welcome!

+1 for the Bismarck. I have one in black scales and its a really great shaver..!

I also agree that you shouldnt start honing until you know how to shave and are comfortable with all that entails, like stropping, lathering, face prep, the actual shave and post shave treatment.

If you get the Bismarck from SRD it will definately be shave ready and they also do beginners kits that come with a strop, brush, mug and soap as well. Thats a really great way to start out..!

Good luck and keep us posted!

[BeBerlin]

I'm liking the Dovo Red "Bismark" 6/8" Good starter razor? Something I could be happy with for a long time?

Maybe. Absolutely.

Here is my review: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...6-8-black.html. Two things that concern me about this razor as a starter razor: It is really beautiful, and having to take off the goldwash because you forgot to dry it properly would be a shame; and it has no jimps and a filigree tang - nothing to worry about if you already know how to strop, or always keep your hands dry when shaving.

That said, sure, go for it. But keep in mind that for similar money, you can get two 'Best Quality' Dovos in different sizes, with jimps, and without goldwash - the better deal if you ask me (not least because you can keep one for comparison purposes for some time, or in case one needs to be re-honed). You should have little difficulty getting most of your money back when re-selling the BQs later.

Good luck,
Robin

[nissassagame]

Maybe. Absolutely.

Here is my review: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...6-8-black.html. Two things that concern me about this razor as a starter razor: It is really beautiful, and having to take off the goldwash because you forgot to dry it properly would be a shame; and it has no jimps and a filigree tang - nothing to worry about if you already know how to strop, or always keep your hands dry when shaving.

That said, sure, go for it. But keep in mind that for similar money, you can get two 'Best Quality' Dovos in different sizes, with jimps, and without goldwash - the better deal if you ask me (not least because you can keep one for comparison purposes for some time, or in case one needs to be re-honed). You should have little difficulty getting most of your money back when re-selling the BQs later.

Good luck,
Robin

Thanks Berlin. Good things to consider here for sure. I have never stropped before and have never shaved using a straight either. Looks like if I want to get the Bismark, i'll need to know how to dry it properly and strop properly first, if I want to keep it in great condition? I'll have a look at the "Best Quality". Thanks again.

[niftyshaving]

Maybe. Absolutely.
....snip
That said, sure, go for it. But keep in mind that for similar money, you can get two 'Best Quality'....snip...

+1 on this. A second razor is a good thing, a superior
strop is also a good place to put the price difference.
Neither need be fancy -- but full function yes.