vancouver newbie

[yaplukamike]

hi everyone, mike here.
i need a to pick up my first straight razor guys, any recomendations?
i see a lot on ebay but most are antiques. i really want something funtional i can start using right away, perhaps something shave ready?
i would also like to get a set with a stone, strop, and a few extra razors i can practice maintaining an edge.
i also see that my local "house of knives" carries the "dovo" line starting at $120 and up to $220, not to sure if thats a good deal or not? i was kinda hoping to spend less, considering there is a lot to chose from on ebay for a lot cheaper.
anyway i would love to hear from some of you guys with more experience than myself.
oh btw if any of you have anything suitable for me your willing to part with feel free to message me.
thanks
mike

[red96ta]

hi everyone, mike here.
i need a to pick up my first straight razor guys, any recomendations?
i see a lot on ebay but most are antiques. i really want something funtional i can start using right away, perhaps something shave ready?
i would also like to get a set with a stone, strop, and a few extra razors i can practice maintaining an edge.
i also see that my local "house of knives" carries the "dovo" line starting at $120 and up to $220, not to sure if thats a good deal or not?

Welcome to SRP Mike!

There's nothing wrong with vintage as long as the previous owner was a responsible owner. However, since this is your first time, avoid ebay since you don't really know what you're looking for in a blade. I recommend either the classifieds here or whippeddog.com for your first blade. It'll be shave ready and ready to go. Alternatively, you can get a shave-ready Dovo from Straight Razor Designs...the local knife shop may sell Dovo, but they won't be ready to shave with, so you'll have to add another $20 to that price to have it honed. Once you get a razor that is shave ready, all you'll need is a good 12k grit stone to maintain the edge forever.

Don't forget the strop, brush, and soap while you're out shopping. They don't have to be expensive, just functional. I like that the SRD strops are modular. Yeah, they're more expensive than the entry-level strops, but when you destroy your first strop (and you will) you can just replace the leather on the cheap. Try your local Walgreens or Walmart for the Van Der Hagen boar brush and soap kit...works just fine and costs less than $10.

[Obie]

Hello, yaplukamike:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Our good friend red96ta makes excellent suggestions. I'll go along.

Regards,
Obie