Thread: Hello from Arizona

Hello, from the state of the Dry Heat. I just found this site and have enjoyed browsing through it. I do not shave with a straight razor as of yet but my interest is peaking. I have my eye on a New shave ready Dovo on ebay. I am retired at the age of 38 and have plenty of time on my hands to master the art of shaving with a straight razor. My other hobbies are collecting class 3 weapons, lever lock knives, smoking fine cigars and flipping high end watches. I dont think I will collect straight razors, just interested in shaving with them.

Hello, Davidco:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Yes, continue to do all the research you can in the Wiki. Also watch as many shaving videos as you can.

For your first razor, you need one that is shave-ready. Many razors coming out of the factory are sharp, yes, but not sharp enough. That's why it is good idea to have that razor honed professionally. For the pros, they can sharpen the razor themselves, because they have the experience.

If I may suggest, initially, as you learn about straight razors, please refrain from buying your razors from eBay; rather, you will be much better off looking in the Classified here or buying the razor shave ready from one of the vendors advertising at SRP. This way you know what you're getting.

You also will need a strop, because that razor must be stropped before each shave. Since you're entering the world of wet shaving, you also need a shaving brush and a puck of shaving soap, or lather shaving cream. These are important.

In the Wiki you will find all types of information for the beginner, including what to buy. In the meantime, if you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We are delighted to have you with us.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP.

Since I'm going to be flying to AZ in the morning for an interview for a job I really don't want, let me be the first to express my irritation, annoyance, and extreme envy at the timing of your retirement. I had a few college friends who had the goal of retiring at age 30 and some of them achieved it via investment banking. I chose a different path that did not involve as much security and things certainly did not turn out the way I planned. Oh well, everyone has a different path.

If you do choose to buy that shave ready Dovo, try to confirm that the seller is actually competent to declare it to be shave ready. Sellers have caught on to the fact that the phrase "shave ready" brings more money so they have begun to tack it on without having the slightest clue what it means. If you want a guaranteed shave ready Dovo, purchase it from one of the advertisers in the margins of this forum. That way you will be certain that the razor is truly ready to shave and then any difficulties will be the result of your inexperience. The greatest problem new shavers have is the question of is their razor dull or are they using it wrong or both. If you have a shave ready razor, that variable is eliminated.

Have fun with your new toy.

Welcome sir!

Thanks for the welcome and I will take your advise and purchase from one of the places in the margins. Thanks again.

Quick question, I was planning on going with a Dovo 5/8, but do I want a Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel and full or half hollow ground? Any help is appreciated.

It really is a matter of personal taste, which is difficult to determine without any experience. The steels feel different when shaving and hone up slightly differently. A high carbon steel razor will require more diligence to prevent corrosion. Some people hate stainless razors while others, like myself, pretty much feel neutral about them. In general, stainless requires less maintenance but is perhaps a harsher shave.

Regarding the grind, full hollows have a bit more flex in the blade and can provide more feedback to the shaving. Half hollows are going to have a stiffer feel to them.

They all work, they just feel a little different in the process.

Originally Posted by Utopian

It really is a matter of personal taste, which is difficult to determine without any experience. The steels feel different when shaving and hone up slightly differently. A high carbon steel razor will require more diligence to prevent corrosion. Some people hate stainless razors while others, like myself, pretty much feel neutral about them. In general, stainless requires less maintenance but is perhaps a harsher shave.

Regarding the grind, full hollows have a bit more flex in the blade and can provide more feedback to the shaving. Half hollows are going to have a stiffer feel to them.

They all work, they just feel a little different in the process.

Thank you very much for the info. I guess it's time to just start trying things out.

Welcome!

I cant really add anything more to whats been said already other than to add my welcome, and I hope you enjoy the experience!

Good luck and keep us posted!

And just like that , it's done. I purchased my first straight razor last night from a company in the margin so it will come "Shave Ready". I also picked up a strop, brush, soap and anything else I may need. I really hope I enjoy this shaving experience and become good at it, seems like alot of cash to drop on something that I've never even tried.