Thread: Hello from New Jersey, USA

Hi everyone! Glad to find such a fine resource online. I'm a total noob when it comes to shaving with a straight edge, but I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about it. I recently received the Sandlewood Art of Shaving kit (pre-oil, cream, aftershave, and a brush) as a present and I really like using it...much better than the cheapo shaving foam I used in the past. My current razor, an old beatup W.R. Case, definitely isn't shave ready so after a few attempts, I put it away and went back to my cartridge razor for the time being. I've read the getting started guide - which was awesome - and I'm planning to place an order soon from SRD, probably for a Dovo Best Quality 5/8, for something I can actually use.

Looking forward to learning and honing my skills here!

Welcome to SRP and keep us posted on your progress and ask any questions that arise.

Welcome to SRP. Glad you've joined us.

Welcome aboard. You have taken the first step of your new adventure by joining this forum. Wealth of information and helpful folks here to advise you at every turn.

You won't go wrong with the Dovo as a starter razor, you might want to look at the half hollow. I have one that is still in weekly use in my rotation. In the mean time, don't just shelve your Case, send it off to one of the great vendors on this site and have it honed to shave ready. Believe me when I tell you, you WON'T have just one razor in your cabinet, so you might as well get your Case shave ready.

Read the Wiki and ask questions. Enjoy the ride

Originally Posted by Eekspa

Welcome aboard. You have taken the first step of your new adventure by joining this forum. Wealth of information and helpful folks here to advise you at every turn.

You won't go wrong with the Dovo as a starter razor, you might want to look at the half hollow. I have one that is still in weekly use in my rotation. In the mean time, don't just shelve your Case, send it off to one of the great vendors on this site and have it honed to shave ready. Believe me when I tell you, you WON'T have just one razor in your cabinet, so you might as well get your Case shave ready.

Read the Wiki and ask questions. Enjoy the ride

Great recommendation. I'll probably look into getting the Case redone and added to the rotation!

As far as the Dovo, why would you recommend the half hollow over the full? There's a bit more blade weight on the half and that's the only real difference, right? I was going to go with the blond handled (to match my Case) 5/8 Best Quality (full hollow). I'd also think, less material == a bit more blade flex for a closer shave?

Originally Posted by 5cshaves

Great recommendation. I'll probably look into getting the Case redone and added to the rotation!

As far as the Dovo, why would you recommend the half hollow over the full? There's a bit more blade weight on the half and that's the only real difference, right? I was going to go with the blond handled (to match my Case) 5/8 Best Quality (full hollow). I'd also think, less material == a bit more blade flex for a closer shave?

As far as a closer shave, you may be right, however as a new SR shaver you may find that less flex in the blade is easier to learn good technique. I know when I started and used a full hollow, I looked like I was in a chain saw fight and couldn't get mine started when I was finished. The half hollow worked better for me, but YMMV.

Welcome aboard to SRP

Welcome aboard! I too started with the Dovo Best 5/8, still have it but lately I prefer the larger blades. If I had to do over I would have picked the 6/8 but both are great.

I'm in Howell, so let me know if you need any help or have questions. I'm not great at honing but I can point you in the right direction

~Jon

Originally Posted by ZeroCool

Welcome aboard! I too started with the Dovo Best 5/8, still have it but lately I prefer the larger blades. If I had to do over I would have picked the 6/8 but both are great.

I'm in Howell, so let me know if you need any help or have questions. I'm not great at honing but I can point you in the right direction

~Jon

Awesome, great to see a "local"

Aloha welcome to SRP! I just got here myself not to long ago. I have vintage razor getting cleaned up and honed right now and I just purchased a starter kit from SRD last night. I went with the Dovo Natural 5/8 it is a full hollow, I don't know if that was a good or bad choice but I will find out soon. I was going to get the Dovo Astrale but I changed my mind I liked the Bamboo scales on the Natural more.

You should see if there is a member in your area to hone up your old Case for you or maybe send it out to get honed?