Thread: Not sure which to choose for 2nd razor

I'm a new straight shaver and my first razor is a 5/8 Aust. I want to add a 6/8 as a second razor and feel like I should branch out and try something different like one of the dovo shoulderless designs (I like the looks of the Dovo Carre) or Ive seen recommendations for Revisor razors but these Aust threads and pictures are driving me towards a 6/8 Aust for the shave, build quality and value. I don't want to spend more than $200. Is this the time to build my stable based on the quality / value of the Aust razors before they start to escalate or is now the time to stretch my comfort zone and determine what else I may like or like better for that matter?
Thanks for your input.

Joe

Originally Posted by joe2

I'm a new straight shaver and my first razor is a 5/8 Aust. I want to add a 6/8 as a second razor and feel like I should branch out and try something different like one of the dovo shoulderless designs (I like the looks of the Dovo Carre) or Ive seen recommendations for Revisor razors but these Aust threads and pictures are driving me towards a 6/8 Aust for the shave, build quality and value. I don't want to spend more than $200. Is this the time to build my stable based on the quality / value of the Aust razors before they start to escalate or is now the time to stretch my comfort zone and determine what else I may like or like better for that matter?
Thanks for your input.

Call me crazy, but how often do you shave? daily? once-a-week? twice-weekly? thrice-weekly? What I'm getting at is that perhaps you ought not begin building a razor stable, until your shaving technique is stable; that is, until you can get repeatable DFS results with what you've got. Maybe set consistency of results as your immediate goal, and later -- once you've become proficient -- tackle the question of acquiring a second razor, then a third, maybe even a fourth. If you make proper and effective technique your first goal, the rest will come, and your purchases will be successful ones.

PS: Another short-term goal is learning how to maintain a razor's shave-ready edge. Hint: It's easier to concentrate on doing so with one razor, rather than trying to do so with three or four razors, each with it's own idiosyncrasies.

I don't know if you're cut out for this Joe, having such trouble picking a 2nd razor, how in heck will you pick your 3rd, 4th, and 5th?

I have 8 razors and haven't spent 200. Well not on razors, but i've spent more than that on rocks! (but hey they are for my single bevel knives too).

Nice points guys, thanks. I am a daily shaver but currently 1 pass with the grain and fooling around with Against and Across. My desire for a second razor is because I do not plan to learn to hone yet (only one new challenge at a time). I would like to see what a different razor feels like and sending out my only razor would leave me without the morning pleasure albeit for just a short time.

However, you've made good points to ponder. I cant appreciate any car until I really know how to drive and once I know how to drive then I can get pleasure from driving many types............

I agree that you must perfect your technique, though why should you resist the wish and joy of a second razor? Moreover a second razor will fill the gap when sending the first one to hone. Being a beginner it could also happen a wrong movement on the strop and conseguent anticipated honing.
Go with the second one.
Choosing a second razor not too much different could be a good strategy:
If you have a 5/8, don't go larger than 6/8
If you have a Solingen carbon steel, stay on Solingen carbon steel
If you have a round point, stay on not too spiky point.
You can find many Dovo or a Boker or a Revisor that fit.
I like the Dovo carré, but if it's in your price range and you like I'd rather take a Dovo Bergischer loewe, great modern razor though 5/8 only. That's my preferred Dovo.
Not last, thing at some good used razor from classifieds because most old razors are great shavers and you can find many in mint condition.

I relied on my Dovo 6/8 when I bought it new, shaved for 6 months before purchasing another (which was vintage). Every razor after that was vintage, that might be a way to "branch out" if you feel you'd like to have another razor. Or try a wedge vs. a hollow grind, which is a bigger difference in shaving than 5/8 vs 6/8 in my opinion.

Thanks to all for your input. I think you are all pretty much telling me the same thing and that is if I am going to get a second razor don't stray too far from what I know until my skills are set and then have at it. I will check some vintage products out too. Thanks for the advice.

Joe