Thread: Which razor?

Originally Posted by rayj37

I own & use both the 6/8 Dovo Palisander and 5/8 1937 Special Coiffeur razors. Both are excellent, both will give you close shaves. The Dovo is full hollow while the Thiers Issard is half hollow. It's hard to choose but I favor the Dovo Palisander because it has the same blade as the famous Dovo Bismarck without the gold wash. The Palisander is a more unique rare razor because it's not a mass production razor but is a special order limited to Superior Shaves' customers. The Palisander has an attractive shoulderless blade shape with a thumb notch which secures a firm grip.

The Thiers Issard Special Coiffeur razor has a blade/shank shape that is unique to TI. The C135 steel holds a good edge with a stiffer feel to the blade. The plastic scales are thick and substantial.

Both razors are quality made, no nonsense razors that are a pleasure to own and use.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go with the Palisander. I just found out that palisander is a type of rosewood. The razor is so sexy. I like how plain it is, the brass wedge and pins, and the rosewood scales. Got my brush picked out. Got my strop picked out. I'm good to go!! I think I'm going to run to the mall by my house and get a tub of shaving cream from The Art Of Shaving.

Now I'm on a new search. I'm looking for a straight for around $100 to buy for my friend for his wedding gift. He uses a shavette right now, but wants a straight. The first ones coming to my mind are the DOVO Best Quality, TI 1937 SC, or the Ralf Aust Solingen 5/8".

Well if we were talking DE razors I would have a ton more to say, but look at the forums name LOL ! I am kind of in a similar boat though have used a straight and shavette for years. I just until recently leaned towards DE shaves. So I did what any guy that is not to proud does I asked for help from some very knowledgable people at SRD. I bought a Ralf Aust 5/8 which I am told by many people will hold an edge better than if not as good as most of the biggest names out there and was bought for exactly your budget $100. I trust SRD 110% they could have sold me a straight 10x that amount but they were honest and said starting out for real not occasional use the Ralf Aust was awesome quality for the money. Shavettes have there place and all said even before DE razors I learned to shave with a Shavette and trust me thy can be very unforgiving. You cannot compare a true straight razor to a shavette as the weight alone sets them at different spectrums. A shavette requires a different approach and technique but will deliver a great shave. Back to the actual question I would look at the Ralf Aust 5/8 and work your way up from there as I personally followed that advice and think it is very sound coming from the source.

My products came in the mail today! So excited!

I ended up getting the DOVO Palisander (The Superior Shave is great! Got the package quicker than I thought. My first experience with them was a little iffy, but the second time was great. I'd highly recommend TSS.)

I ordered a finest badger brush from Vintage Blades, which I also got a black shaving mug, and a "large" puck of Col. Conk bay rum shaving soap (just to start with)

Still need to buy a strop. I have a few in mind, but really narrows down to a Poor Man strop, or a SRD 2" latigo strop. The only reason I was thinking about going with the Poor Man strop is because ultimately I want a 3" SRD Latigo strop with D rings. So, I could buy a cheap Poor Man, and then next month buy a nice strop. Once I get a little practice.

Thanks for all the advice that was given to me during my search. The razor is beautiful, soap smells great...I'm very happy.

For those who are interested, I'll post pictures later. Thanks!