Thread: New from northern IN! - Advice on buying razor.

Hi, I'm new here and I'm looking to buy a real straight razor.

I had bought a Dovo Shavette a while back before I spend money on a pricey razor to find out that it wasn't for me. To no surprise, I liked it. Now I want to buy a real one. The problem is I'm on a tight budget. I have only $120 to spend on this at the moment. I already have the brush, shaving soap, and cup so I figured all I need is a razor and strop to start out.

There's two razor's I'm looking at. The first one is the Dovo 'Best Quality' 5/8" Half-Hollow Ground Round Point Razor (White, 44g) for $86 from TheSuperiorShave.com. I like this choice because its a Dovo (which are said to be great quality and seems to be highly recommended for beginners), fits my price range, and I heard razors sold there are shave ready. The downside is that while I can afford it, it is kinda pricey leaving me with not much money to help go toward other tools that I will need later on (like water stone hones).

The second one I'm looking at is what seems to me to be more of an economical choice. It is the ~Shave Ready~ Gold Dollar #300 Shaving Straight Razor 6/8" for $54.99 at Amazon.com. I like because its cheap and shave ready. While I like to get higher quality stuff I think in this situation it might be a good idea to go for something cheap so I can practice stropping, shaving, honing for a good while until I feel confident enough to buy a better quality razor.

So I'm looking at either going with a nice quality razor that may or may not ruin, as I am an amateur to this, or go with something cheaper for learning to later on buy something better later on. What do you guys think? What do you think I should do? I'd also wouldn't mind hearing about any other straight razors that I should look into. So, I guess that's it.

Thanks!

I can only echo what jim said and you could have a read of this http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ar-razors.html .

Bob

Step away from the Dollar.

Listen to Jim's advice...

Consider a razor in the classified's here, you could possibly pick up a couple...

Lastly, but most important, "Glad to have you, welcome to SRP!". If I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me via PM.

Thanks guys for your help. This is useful stuff.

BobH, thanks for that article, definitely not going for Gold Dollar.

shooter74743, thanks. Good to know I can contact someone if I run into any problems or confusions with a straight razor.

syslight, thanks for the link! I just got some extra cash to go toward this today, I feel tempted to get that Dovo Ebony Stainless 5/8" for $174.99 but I think should go for Dovo Best Quality Black 5/8" for $114.99. What do you think?

Thanks for help guys! By the way which would be better for a beginner stainless or carbon steel?

RazorOPS

Originally Posted by RazorOPS

Thanks for help guys! By the way which would be better for a beginner stainless or carbon steel?

RazorOPS

Ooh... this may kick up a bit of a debate, but IMHO, it doesn't really matter. A good carbon blade will shave well. A good stainless blade will shave well. And crappy carbon and stainless blades will not.

Either of those two razors will serve you well (and coming from SRD they will be truly shave-ready), so it is really an aesthetic decision. If you like the design of the Ebony Stainless more than the Best Quality, then go for it. You don't want to embark on this journey with regrets right off the bat! On the other hand, if you like the look of them both, you can go for the Best Quality and treat yourself to some other goodies.

But either will work.

Originally Posted by RazorOPS

Thanks guys for your help. This is useful stuff.

BobH, thanks for that article, definitely not going for Gold Dollar.

shooter74743, thanks. Good to know I can contact someone if I run into any problems or confusions with a straight razor.

syslight, thanks for the link! I just got some extra cash to go toward this today, I feel tempted to get that Dovo Ebony Stainless 5/8" for $174.99 but I think should go for Dovo Best Quality Black 5/8" for $114.99. What do you think?

Thanks for help guys! By the way which would be better for a beginner stainless or carbon steel?

RazorOPS

You'll have to decide for yourself but personally, if I were about to spend $175 on a razor, I'd be surfing the member sales first. That much will get you a really sweet vintage blade. There won't be a thing wrong with that Dovo but you may be thinking that a better deal was available in a few months time. Even $115 will land you a really nice one. If you have the patience to wait a bit, keep a sharp eye on what is available. Your pocketbook may thank you.

I use both stainless and carbon steel razors and find no appreciable differences in the way they shave. The only advantage the stainless has over the carbon is that it is less prone to rust. Personally I would not go too whole hog on your first razor but save that for later when you have had time to find out what your preferences are.

Bob

Cangooner, my bad, I don't want start a debate. So basically carbon vs stainless is just preference. Thanks!

OCDShaver, I decided to take a look but I don't think I would know the difference between a good deal or a ripoff just yet.

BobH, I totally agree, for now I'll just get the $115 razor & strop.

Also should I get the World of Straight Razor DVD for an additional $15 bucks?

Thanks for your help guys!

Welcome to the forum RazorOPS. We are glad to have you. I think you will be very happy with the DVD. It can help you get
going in the right direction. No worries about starting a debate. Please feel free to ask any questions you have and we will do our best to get you an answer or answers to take a look at.

Welcome to the forum RazorOPS. I think it's been pretty much said in relation to your questions for now. I have nothing to add.


Mick