Thread: Hello SR members. Newbie from UK

Hello and welcome to SRP. As long as you haven't used the razor or anything I would suggest returning it and getting something else. You can find a good properly honed razor in the classifieds here or from a reputable vendor that knows what shave ready really means. You've got a few suggestions on soap etc. allready but it all boils down to trying them yourself to see waht you like. Enjoy and

I have returned the set with no problems. Posted today.
I'm looking around on the Internet for a new shaver, any suggestions on a good beginner straight shaver. I think I want either a 5/8 or 6/8, stainless steel (if I'm right thinking it gives a smoother feel on the skin), maybe a half hollow (so it is not too light weight), and I would rather have anything but plastic scales. Any suggestions in the dovo range?

Rich

Rich,

Have a peek at Mr Dempsters Dovo site:

Dovo Razors

For non-plastic handles, most of the stainelss Dovos seem to be full hollow ground.

The 'Olive Wood' 415875 & 'Ebony' 415835 are 5/8, stainless full hollow ground wood handled razors.

The 'Master' 1176815 is a 6/8 stainless full hollow ground wood handled razor.

You might also want to have a peek at the Dovo Renaissance (6/8 stainless blade).

The better 'plastic' handles really are very nice, and are very practical !

In addition you can get your razor re-scaled if you are not happy with the scales.

Mr Neil Miller has re-scaled many of my razors (in ebony, polished rams-horn (my favourite !!), bufallo horn etc) and his workmanship is superb

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Thankyou very much russ for your post.

I'm sure this info is very useful, I'll have a good look at all of the razors above later, getting rams horn or wooden scales later sounds like a good idea, as I can stick with cheaper scales to learn with.

Rich

Hi Roo, and welcome!

I just peeked at Dovo Razors UK--nice site, and nice stock too. There are some razors there I haven't seen at any U.S. suppliers. I have a Dovo stainless steel in ebony scales. It's a full hollow, and I'd like it better if it was a half hollow. I see you can get a half hollow stainless there. The half hollow will be a little more forgiving as you learn the straight.

You'll want a strop at the same time as your razor--though if it comes shave ready, don't strop the razor before your first shave. Most of us strop after shaving though, to clean the very edge before putting the blade away.

I've got one stainless blade, my Dovo, and a variety of carbon-steel blades. The stainless one doesn't feel any smoother, or rougher. It's well designed--Dovo put in wider washers, including a nylon one, between the blade and the scales, so it's easier to get any water or lather out. As I re-scale any of my other razors I'm going to do them this way too.

I also have sensitive skin, and live in a very dry climate. I haven't found any shaving soap to be harsh, but I think my mildest is a maca root shaving cream from The Body Shop. Very neutral scent, too, if that matters.

Check out the threads about cold-water shaving. It works great and is much easier on the skin.

I hope your girlfriend was OK with your gift return. It's the thought that counts, and here you are.


Best wishes and happy shaving!