Hello from Texas Hill Country

Hello! I've been lurking and researching straight razor shaving for probably about a year now. It's something I want to get into but I've been waiting for the money to become available. I have a lot of hobbies so it normally gets spent pretty fast. My interest in straight razor shaving was piqued by a post on the Fountain Pen Network (another one of my hobbies). For whatever reason, there seems to be crossover between fountain pens and straight razors. Must be something about rituals or nostalgia, or maybe just wanting to be different.

I want to do it right the first time and I really like the idea of an all-in-one kit like what SRD sells (razor, strop, brush and holder, soap, mug). What I'm debating between is getting the wet shaving kit with the basic Dovo Best Quality (simply because it's cheaper) or going right for a Bismarck or similar. If I got the Best Quality I'd probably want to upgrade someday, whereas if I got a Bismarck I'd be set. Even though I like all fountain pens, I'm somewhat of a fountain pen monogamist (as far as my daily carry goes) and would probably be the same with a razor. Just give me one really nice razor and I'd be happy.

Speaking of the Bismarck, the red and black both disappeared from SRD. Is it discontinued or something or just in short supply?

The Dovo #1226850 looks absolutely beautiful to me but it's not available in a kit (that I know of, since it's exclusive to The Superior Shave) so I'd have to piece everything together individually for a little higher price. Being able to buy all inclusive is a big bonus.

As for my shaving, the thought of using a straight razor grew in my mind as a desire to minimize razor burn. I have very sensitive skin. Some days after shaving my skin would feel so sore it would take a couple of days to recover before shaving again. Between the soreness and admittedly some laziness, I ended up only shaving about once a week. My beard doesn't grow especially fast or thick. It's a little patchy on my cheeks but gets more dense along my jaw line and neck. One day I discovered Nivea Post Shave Balm for sensitive skin and that was somewhat of a life saver as far as dealing with the soreness. I'm hoping that becoming skilled with a straight will help that even more.

Any input into what I'm considering would be welcome. I don't want to go too cheap so I'd rather not buy anything and wait till I had the money than buy something of lesser quality. I've read that the Best Quality, especially when honed by Lynn, can be an excellent razor. It just has no "bling". I guess that just comes down to personal preference. I'd like to be able to place an order in the next couple of weeks. Thanks everyone!

I'd still go with the Best Quality (6/8), that way you'll always have a razor that you won't be too broken up about when you make mistakes with the first time you try to hone, or drop it, or knock the edge against the sink, etc. It happens.
It's usually recommended to get two razors, keeping the second one as a reference for proper sharpness, and using only one razor as your shaver. That way you'll be able to tell if you stropped enough and/or correctly.

You could get the Bismarck as the second razor. I've had both models, and they are great. The Best Quality holds as good an edge as the Bismarck, but the shape of the Bismarck blade makes it a little nicer to shave with. I say learn with the Best Quality, and use the Bismarck first as a reference, then as the prize for when you've got your technique down.

The gear and service on SRD is top quality. I order from them regularly. The sharpening is top notch too.

Welcome aboard. Remember not to get too excited, and try to shave your whole face all at once. Start with the easy bits, then finish with a cartridge or DE, or you will most likely be sorry, and very irritated, literally.

What part of the hill country are you in?

Thanks for the quick reply. You brought up a good point that I forgot about in getting a cheaper razor to learn and make mistakes on. I do want to do my own honing and be self-reliant.

Any comments on the #1226850? How come it doesn't have a product name? Was it part or a trial run? Will other vendors be getting it eventually?

I'm from the Marble Falls area.

I don't know what that product is. Is it on SRD or in the classifieds here?

Im in Austin.

Dovo 1226850 Straight Razor

The Superior Shave advertizes it as being a good size for someone with large hands. I have small hands. While I don't think that would totally rule out that razor for me, are their any in the Dovo line that are known to be sized for smaller hands? I'm also willing to consider anything in between or comparable to the Best and Bismarck, including the Stainless, Black Star, Prima Klang, etc.

All the Dovo's should be fine for anybody. They are average size.
The stainless models are my favorite. Renaissance, Masters and Encina are also stainless Dovo blades.

Prima Klang is said to be kind of flexible, which may be a challenge for a beginner.