Hello From Louisville KY

I have lately become very interested in shaving with a straight razor. Being so very green to this I am looking to purchase a dovo shavette to try within a few days. Any and all suggestions would be so greatly appreciated. I have been using one of those 5 blade jobs that does an okay job, but I want that baby smooth face that a straight edge can give me. One of the biggest problems that I may face is getting around a skin tag that I have about 2 and a half inches down from my chin. I guess that thing will get removed one way or another! Again, I have been so impressed with this site and will be checking it often as I move forward with my baby butt smooth shaves!

dadvest,

Welcome to SRP. Pleased to have you aboard. Consult the SRP wiki, if you haven't already done so. It contains lots of useful information for beginners.

My advice to somebody new to straight razor shaving would be rather than purchasing a shavette, you may want to consider purchasing a complete razor strop set that would include a low cost, high quality pre-honed razor, strop, brush, strop and soap. In the end, the complete cost would be less than purchasing each item separately. They are available from several of the online vendors who advertise here.

Again, welcome aboard. Take care--and smooth shaving.

dadvest,

Welcome to SRP! 1+ on everything jhenry said.

welcome to SRP. I live across the river. Hope you aren't flooded. +1 on buying a set. Or you could look in the classifiieds here, lotta nice eye candy there.

No not flooded out here thanks! Thanks for the tip on buying a set. I know my mom has a couple of old razors that I am sure was my grandfathers. I want to check them out but was considering a shavette for a trial thing. I have read alot of posts here and have found some sets that some folks say are good and others wouldn't dig mud off their shoes with. I have a thick heavy beard and must shave daily. I have read that the shavette is not good for that at all. Would you have any suggestions for a good blade for a novice like myself?

I bought my set from SRD - a DOVO Bismarck 6/8 & an English bridle strop. It came shave-ready having been honed by Lynn Abrams. Alternately you can check the classified ads here on SRP.

Just my personal opinion, but I would see if you can find a set with a vintage Sheffield razor. For some reason the Sheffields seem to be kinder to my face. Until your (and my) skills improve I would look at something less than a full hollow grind, perhaps a half hollow or quarter hollow. The full hollows seem to be a little flexible for my unskilled hands and seem to cause more irritation than a thicker blade. That is just my opinion, though. Like all opinions take it with a grain of salt. I have been shaving with straights for about 6 weeks now and will never go back. I am getting better and look forward to each new shave.

I wonder how many members are here in the Louisville area. Might have to have a meet sometime if there are enough interested people.

Hi, and Welcome to the forum. The biggest complaint I hear with the shavette's, would be irritation. So, be careful. The are extremely sharp, and take some getting used to. If you plan on staying with Straight Razors, You might want to look into buying a regular one, 5/8, or 6/8 in size. The classifieds are good place to start. You can get some good deals. As far as the skin tag goes, that can be a problem. Is there any reason it can't be removed? I had a few, and I used a clean nail clipper to remove it, that was advice from a dermatoligist. If you go to one, they offer you numbing medicine, and honestly, the shot hurts more than the procedure, so I had them do it without the numbing stuff. Much later, I found a few more, Those were the one's I took care of with the nail clipper. Good Luck....

Welcome to SRP