Hey everyone! I'm new around here, currently have a DE and about to get a straight

Well, the title about sums up in general about me. I have previously been a fusion guy, before I was looking online and found a safety razor. I purchased a nice edwin jagger and told myself if I could get that down than I would get a straight razor. I've been wanting a straight razor for awhile now. I am debating on which to get. I am considering getting a Dovo "bismarck" 6/8 carbon steel , a dovo ironwood special "best class" 5/8 stainless steel or a dovo ivory micarta inox 5/8 stainless steel. I have been reading up on razors, techniques etc for awhile now. What has been your experience with any of these razors or similar? I looked in the classified section and didn't see anything in particular that peaked my interest. Also I haven't decided which strop I am going to get yet. I know I would like a 3" wide for ease of stropping but other than that, not quite too sure. Any suggestions or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
HAPPY SHAVING!!!

I haven't tried and of the razors you mentioned but I'm sure you will get high praise from any of the Dovo line. Welcome to the board. What part of Oregon are you from? I grew up in the Beaverton area and miss it alot.

I am from Portland, I miss it as well... I can't complain too much about the Florida beaches though...

Welcome to SRP, we are glad to have you with us.
On choosing a straight razor, let your hand and your personal taste be your guide. All the razors you mentioned are fine shavers and perfectly able to give nice comfortable shaves. It will take a little getting used to, but while waiting for your order you have time to read up in the wiki and check out the video subsection, that should have you well prepared before your first shave.
On which strop to get, your choice is understandable. Be aware tho, that stropping is a skill in itself, and one that needs to be learned. Many prefer to start on a cheaper strop, chances are your first will see some abuse :)
Oh, and don't hesitate to post your questions, this place is full of knowledgeable and helpful people.
Best of luck.

Welcome to SRP. Here you will find answers to all your questions.

I ended up purchasing a 6/8 best quality dovo.

Hello, BigOregon:

The Dovo Best Quality 6/8" is a good choice. May I assume it is shave ready?

For your strop, the Straight Razor Design 3" Premium one is a good choice.

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigOregon

I know I would like a 3" wide for ease of stropping but other than that, not quite too sure. Any suggestions or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

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You wrote "other than that," but I'll tell you anyway. There is a reason why just about every strop ever made in the past 100 years, prior to the last 5, was 2 1/2 or even 2 inches wide. A three inch strop is not any easier to use, in MY opinion.

I agree with Ron. As much as I like one of my strops it hangs there almost unused as I highly dislike 3" strops.

BigOregon,

I have two (2) Dovo EnVogue ('micarta') razors and, for me, they are super shavers :)

They do have a slight 'scritchy' feel on the face, very similar to my C135 TIs !

They are as easy to maintain as my carbon steel blades, and are an excellent razor.

The scales on the EnVogue ('micarta') are a bit 'chunky' - they are quite wide width-ways compared to most scales, and I ended up re-scaling mine in polished rams-horn.

As Utopian has said, you should not discount strops of 2 - 2 1/2 ".

Have fun & good luck with your purchases :)

Best regards

Russ