Razor Upgrade Help

Calling all experienced razor connoisseurs,

I am looking for my second straight razor in my shaving career. Though I have been shaving with a straight for over three years now, I still consider myself to be a newbie. I know it it is a horrible faux pas, but I have been shaving these past few years with the Chinese made "Gold Dollar" razor. I have read the threads regarding the sub par quality, and for this reason I am now in the market for a quality straight razor. I have been looking at razors by Dovo and Boker, but would like some advice for makers and models under the $200. I appreciate any help that could be given.

Ralf Aust 7/8 from straight razor designs seems like a big upgrade, is under your budget and you get a free honing. I also have an 8/8 Sheffield razor on the classifieds for less than $200.

i would look in the classifieds here and get a super vintage razor. in fact i did just do that and will be shaving with it for the first time this morning:)

You could consider Thiers-Issard and Revisor, especially Revisor has plenty sub-$200 razors. Their website is a bit unclear, but their razors are of high quality and well-finished.

I have a Ralf Aust from Straight Razor Designs and it is great. Around $100.

Hi, not sure re an upgrade though the classifieds advice is probably a good start, but if you have been getting good shaves with the gold dollar, then there is nowt wrong with that, in fact Laurens has about eight of them :) I am only slightly wary as I can't hone my own razors and I know they often need a tweek when new, I have been offered free honing but would feel cheeky sending someone a gold dollar. I may just ask them though and see what they say.
Do you know what sort of size grind, and shape you would like?

Yeah depends on what you're in to. If you like vintage, the classifieds are the way to go in my opinion. You get a trustworty source there.
For new, you have a ton of options in the major brands. I have a Ralf Aust also and can't say enough about it. No frills 5/8 in black plastic, but it wipes away those whiskers.

thanks for all of the helps thus far, I am looking in the range of the Dovo Forestal, Dovo Bismark, Thiers-Issard Evide Sonnant, Ralf Aust 7/8 Round Point, and the Boker Silver Steel. Because the Gold Dollar is the only razor I have used, I am not particular to different grinds or shape. I bought the Gold Dollar from a respected honing service that I heard of from the forums, but came to the same conclusion as everyone warns of (lots of honing needed, even with free honing offered). Any advice within those I am now looking at?

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Originally Posted by bombay

i would look in the classifieds here and get a super vintage razor. in fact i did just do that and will be shaving with it for the first time this morning:)

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Best advice you could get, you can get a couple quality vintage razors that will widen your experience without breaking the bank. Most will guarantee their razors.