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Hello everyone! I've been interested in the art of straight razor shaving for some time; I've just never gotten up the courage to go for it. I've been doing a bunch of research lately, and think I'm really ready to do this. I'm not sure where to start really. I've seen it recommended that a beginner like myself should use a 5/8 DOVO with a half- to full-hollow. I'd really like to get started, but don't want to drop a bunch of money at the outset if possible.
I think the reason a lot of people suggest a 5/8 hollow is it's sort of middle of the road and offers good feedback, both tactile and auditory. My first razor was a 5/8 full hollow and I love it. I don't think there'd be too many razors that WOULDN'T be a good beginner's razor, really, as long as you like it and it's got a good shave ready edge.
Check out the classifieds. I've never checked out the classifieds and seen a razor I DIDN'T want... :-)
Welcome, StuckTiger.
Yep, what Carl said. 5/8 is a good middle-of-the-road size, not too jittery like a 4/8 can be, and a little easier to get in under your nose than is a 6/8 or larger.
Dovo Best is a good blade. No cosmetic fanciness, just good steel that holds a good edge. Straight Razor Designs carries them, but I'm not sure if they stock the half-hollows. The Superior Shave stocks half-hollows, which have a little more heft. That smooths out your shave a little, the way a heavier car rides smoother. They're a little more forgiving of technique than a full hollow. Some people swear by their singing hollows (blades so thin they "sing" while you strop them, and ring like bells when you pluck them); others swear by their full wedges, which aren't hollowed out at all. I like the heavier grinds, but not full wedges.
You can get a good starter strop from whippeddog.com or ruprazor. I don't know if either of them stock new Dovo bests, but I know whippeddog has vintage blades, some quite inexpensive. He specializes in getting people started with good, inexpensive gear. His cheapest vintage razors may not be pretty, but they're still good steel and they'll arrive shave-ready.
As with anything, you can spend as much as you want. It's also possible to spend too little. For a brand-new blade, I wouldn't trust anything cheaper than a Dovo Best. You're most likely to end up with an RSO (razor-shaped object) that will never actually shave.
If you settle on a blade but want to be sure, post it up and we'll let you know if it's a good one.
Happy shopping and best wishes.
Welcome to SRP, :)
There are a lot of SRP guys in Kansas City. Here is a link to a quick search of the SRP Member liust for those showing Kansas City as a location.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=50