Thread: bush league

Brand new here. I just celebrated my 31st birthday and got all of the accessories to get started straight shaving... except a razor. I'm glad about that because that's something I want to pick out myself. However, I never imagined it would be such a difficult decision.

My current razor is a Mach 3 that I went back to after being disappointed with the 5 blade version. If 3 blades are better than 5, I can't wait to shave with a single.

Friends have recommended the 'Dovo Best Quality' for my first endeavor, but I find the vintage blades more appealing (and pricey). The guy at the store was also new to the straight razor club and had trophies all over his face as proof so I wanted to get some expert advice.

My kit came with an instructional DVD from The Art of Shaving that I have yet to watch. Have any of you seen it? Any other tips to shave like a pro right out of the gate are welcomed with gratitude.

Thanks,

Smooth Ozzy

Welcome to SRP Smooth Ozzy.
My best advice is give this a read
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Welcome and happy birthday!

The way I see it, every good-quality straight razor is a vintage razor. I was feeling weak even today about a Dovo best quality, because I could get it in a quarter-hollow grind. My first two razors were vintage, and I did pretty amateur jobs sharpening them. As I've gotten better at honing I've realized that you've got to be careful with the vintage blades--you can inherit someone elses problems, just like with a used car. Weird hone wear begets more weird hone wear, etc. So if you like vintage but are new to the game, try to get new old stock. Lots of guys post pictures of potential purchases here and get really good advice, too.

I speak from experience. I've got one blade that, if I paid myself minimum wage to hone it, should have been a top-of-the-line new razor. But it's a skanky old wedge in creepy scales that I keep at because I'm stubborn and I WILL MAKE IT SHAVE. My wife is probably jealous of the time I spend with it.

But hey, you've chosen some nice presents for yourself. Stay discriminating, go slow, and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to SRP Ozzy. The main thing is to get a shave ready razor to start with. Read the link that onimaru55 posted as well as the rest of the SRP Wiki beginner's guide and you'll be started in the right direction.

Friends have recommended the 'Dovo Best Quality' for my first endeavor, but I find the vintage blades more appealing (and pricey). The guy at the store was also new to the straight razor club and had trophies all over his face as proof so I wanted to get some expert advice.

There's nothing wrong with the Dovo, and it comes with _no rust_, _no corrosion_, _tight and centered_, and honed by an expert. I bought one from SRD, and it's a fine shaver. It fits in gracefully with my 9 vintage razors.

There are lots of moderately-priced vintage blades in the Classifieds on this site. And there are (somewhat) less expensive ones at

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales

Charles

Welcome ---
Good advice above. One of the vendors mentioned has free honing for life
this holiday season and that is a good thing in my opinion. A sharp razor
and a worthy strop are key. Add a good brush and good soap and you are
good to go.

Another source of well priced razors is the Classified section of this forum.
I have seem some true bargains pass by.

I am curious what "lathering" solution you have been using with
your cart razors. The art of "lathering" is the most oft overlooked
part of the game. It is the least expensive bit of shaving kit to go hog wild on
and get the best there is.

Thank y'all for all of the great support and information! I ordered a Dovo from straight razor designs with the free sharpening deal. Can't wait to get it in, but I think I have more homework before introducing my mug to the blade.

SmoothOzzy

Congrats on your purchase. Good move on the lifetime honing option, too! Since I started this I've spent as much on hones as I would on a really nice brand-new razor. Look out for that!

When you start with your Dovo, just do the easy areas of your face (sideburns and cheeks) and keep using your cartridge razor on your chin, under your nose, along your adam's apple... until you're comfortable navigating the straight into the new areas. It took me several weeks to switch over fully to the straight razor shave.

Go slow, be careful, have fun!

Originally Posted by SmoothOzzy

Thank y'all for all of the great support and information! I ordered a Dovo from straight razor designs with the free sharpening deal. Can't wait to get it in, but I think I have more homework before introducing my mug to the blade.

SmoothOzzy

One thing you do not have to wait on is "lathering".
Grab your brush, soap and half a handful of BiC yellow
handle tossables and go for it.