Thread: New member

Hello all. Larry here in Rochester, NY. I'm new to straight razor shaving. I'm over 50 and finally decided to take the plunge after switching to DE razor and enjoying the prep and shave experience. Just got sick and tired of the multi razor thing along with the expense of replacing the blades. I've been looking at a DOVO Red Bone razor on ebay (I guess I just like the way it looks) as my first razor. I'm certain I will need to send it to someone like Lynn Abrams to be sharpened. I'll purchase the other gear to get started from either Vintageblades or Classicshaving. I was leaning heavily towards the DOVO Bismark but several threads suggest the gold wash may have a robustness issue. I just don't want to fight that problem. I'm looking forward to having an enjoyable experience. Glad to be aboard.

Hello, Larry:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. The age 50 is as good as any age to start with the straight razor. Some of us were even older when we started.

Don't forget to read up on the world of wet shaving with the straight razor in the Wiki. Plenty of good stuff there.

For a newcomer, unless you're relatively sure of that eBay razor's condition, I suggest purchasing from one of the vendors here. You'll find good razors in the Classifieds, too. At least you'll know what you're getting. You can play with eBay after some experience.

By the way, I have the Bismarck and no gold wash problems.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks for the kind reply and advice. The DOVO Red Bone is listed as new with lots of pictures. However, since you have the Bismark and are experiencing no problems I think I'll go ahead with that razor from one of the two vendors I mentioned. By the way, there are several ads on ebay for the DOVO Red Bone. All list the blade as new. However, the price disparity is $129.00 to $166.00. I don't understand this. I hope to find the blade at one of the vendors and avoid being had. Thanks.

Please note that you do not need to buy all new hardware, the brush and the soap will do just as well here.

Welcome Larry! There are a few of us in the Rochester NY area that would be more than happy to help out with advice and one on one mentoring to help you get off to a good start. If you are interested please feel free to drop a PM to Joed, Holli4pirating or myself and we can set up a time to have you drop by.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

Thanks for the kind reply and advice. The DOVO Red Bone is listed as new with lots of pictures. However, since you have the Bismark and are experiencing no problems I think I'll go ahead with that razor from one of the two vendors I mentioned. By the way, there are several ads on ebay for the DOVO Red Bone. All list the blade as new. However, the price disparity is $129.00 to $166.00. I don't understand this. I hope to find the blade at one of the vendors and avoid being had. Thanks.

Hello again, Larry:

Yes, it's wise to be cautious. The new Bismarck from the vendors here is a good idea. That's a nice razor, and pretty, too. Make sure the razor you buy is shave-ready ("pre-sharpened"). The price disparity is part of Capitalism. The vendors have your strop, brush and soap as well. So you're all set.

By the way, Moderator Carrie's offer to help you out is quite generous. I suggest getting in touch with her with a personal message. Carrie also produces excellent shaving creams.

I am glad you've joined us, Larry.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by CarrieM

Welcome Larry! There are a few of us in the Rochester NY area that would be more than happy to help out with advice and one on one mentoring to help you get off to a good start. If you are interested please feel free to drop a PM to Joed, Holli4pirating or myself and we can set up a time to have you drop by.

Larry, Hello & Welcome.

I started a bit beyond age 50, and am surviving the learning curve just fine. I'm jealous that you have highly skilled people nearby, willing to help. You'll find the forums here are hard to beat for high quality help & great attitudes.

If I did it again, I wouldn't have bought a new blade, but would get primarily through the classifieds and some of the vendors that hang here. You're likely gonna want more that one blade, and the $$ you save will enable you to try other blades. Sizes, grinds, shapes. They all shave differently. The learning curve is not small, but VERY rewarding. I'm no expert (at a bit over 3 mo.), but I get better shaves, and bleed less from a str8 than I do w/ any other method. There's a satisfaction that's very hard to describe or quantify. Days where the shave is very good, you'll feel great, walk with a swagger, etc. I hope you enjoy it alot!

Welcome, Larry. As Carrie said, don't be afraid to PM us locals. We're always happy to help out.

Dylan in Rochester.

This is overwhelming. I didn't expect to get this kind of response and immediate offers of help. And local at that. I will contact all of you. I'm excited! Thanks much.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

This is overwhelming. I didn't expect to get this kind of response and immediate offers of help. And local at that. I will contact all of you. I'm excited! Thanks much.

That's what this forum is all about, helping others and sharing the journey. We'll look forward to hearing from you. Joed and I live together so messaging just one of us will be fine