A whole new world of smoothness!!

Hello all,

Ive decided to introduce myself as ive been reeding this forum for sometime now deciding how to meet my shaving needs. My names Jason, hope your all well.

I recently decided after replacing my king of shaves razor head again, that I had to change. I bought the DOVO Shavette as the world of straight razor shaving seems like an expensive one, and I didn't want to invest if It wasn't for me, I thought I'd test the water.....

My eyes have now been opened, and I find myself reading all the information I can on straight razors, there fascinating!!! aesthetically pleasing as well as being the greatest close shave any man will ever experience.

I haven't encountered any problems that you guys haven't already covered, so congrats on the truely awesome forum....

.....with your collective experience, what would you recommend as the best first real straight? both beautiful and a dream to handle?

Cheers
J

Welcome to SRP.
First real straight can be anything it is very personal choice.
Shavette is different than a Straight in how it feels when shaving.
My advise get an entry level Dovo, or a razor from the classifieds to learn straight shaving and edge maintenance, then you can explore different grinds and sizes.

I got the shavette in the hope that It would teach me a thing or two about the angle that I would have to shave at as my beard pretty much joins up with my chest hair and can at times be very sensitive and get a lot of razor burn. So far so good.

Razor maintenance seems to be the step where a lot of people fall down so the classifieds sounds like a good place to start to get a good razor.

As I'm new here, and Im sure you know many more of the members than I do, can you recommend anyone that has a good rep for selling in the classified section?

Also from what I can tell grind and size seem to be all about personal preference....... what do you use?

I can't recommend anyone because I have not used their razors, just talk to the sellers and decide for yourself who you trust.
I use w/e I have to hone currently, my personal razors are 1/4 hollow and thinner grinds.
Many people like thicker grinds for first razor since they are more forgiving but
I can't say I am pro or con this, I started with full hollow and did not have problems.

Hello, Jason:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

I am glad you continue to explore all the written material on the world of straight razor shaving.

For a first shaver, I usually like to recommend a Dovo tortoise shell or "perlex" 5/8" or 6/8" razor (both are round points). I have a warm spot for these razors, especially the "perlex" and feel every shaver should have one.

You also need a strop. I assume you already are a wet shaver with a brush, soap or cream, and a mug.

Some of the vendors listed at SRP offer starting kits with razor, strop and brush. That's another alternative. You can also speak directly with the vendors and seek their advice and recommendation. Finally, SRP members offer shaving tools in the Classified, which you might want to try.

As has been noted, a real straight razor will be somewhat different from the Shavette. Initially you might feel it is not as sharp. A better way of looking it is that it shaves differently.

Beyond that, you need to work on honing your skills. Keep the razor pressure light. Divide your face into geographical regions. Shave in passes, rather than try to get a smooth shave in one pass. Prepare your face properly for the shave. Throw the clock away and have patience. If you have any questions, please post them.

Regards,

Obie

Welcome to SRP Jason.
First razor ? I'd say forget beautiful & go inexpensive work horse. Don't worry you won't stop at one :p

Welcome to SRP. I have to agree with Oz. You won't stop at one. Get the one that catches your eye in style and substance if it is within your budget. :gl:

Jason,

Let me add my welcome as well to SRP.

As the previous posts indicate you will most likely not stop with purchasing one razor, so go with what suits your fancy and budget. I am partial to the Dovo imitation Tortoise shell "Special" myself, although the Perlex has attracted my eye as well. Both are avaialble as 5/8" round points and are good middle range entry level razors imho. Whichever you decide to get, make sure that it has been professionally honed prior to purchase.

Consider purchasing a 3" wide strop too. This will help your transition into str8 razor shaving. In fact, you can purchase a professionally honed razor & 3" strop set as a package from several vendors who advertise here at SRP.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

SRP classifieds have lately had some very nice straights at a reasonable price. The hardest part is deciding what you want in a razor in the way of size and grind.



Take Care, Richard

as your in the uk, and we don`t seem to have as many places to get hold of stuff, I can highly recomend:

Introduction to razors

www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration

Both web sites are owned by members here. I bought my first razor a brand new DOVO best quality as well as other stuff, form the invisible edge, it came in perfect shave ready condition.

and recently had my razor rehoned by neil at the strop shop and it shaves as smooth as when it was new.

The razor you want will be a personal choice and not a choice you can make untill you`ve tried a few diffrent grinds/sizes/shapes.

but if you stick to the classifieds, or the two sites mentioned above you won`t go wrong.

+1 for The Invisible Edge and Strop Shop.

Steve (TIE) sells both DOVO and Thiers Issard razors, as well as restored oldies, and they will come shave ready.

The classifieds are also a good area to look, as well as SRD and other vendors in the Vendors Corner here at SRP.

As to what to get, get a good make that you like the look of thats within budget..! Thats about the best advice I can give..! :)

Good luck and keep us posted!