Printable View
Hi guys I am new to straight edge shaving and really enjoy it. I wanted a straight edge so had one made then started shaving with it and really started enjoying it. The problem is I want something smaller than my current razor as its 1/4inch thick O1 tool steel and 8/8 so it big. Don't get me wrong it shaves like a dream but I find it a bit difficult to maneuver. What do u guys suggest. I do like the Dovo flowing and BL .
I would suggest a hollow ground 5/8 or 6/8 razor.
I have never owned a Dovo so I can't help there.
Any big razor can be clumsy and hard to maneuver. We always recommend new shavers start with something middle of the road like a 6/8s.
There are so many choices out there it's hard to make recommendations. Any respected brand be it vintage or new will give you a great shave and a different experience. You just need to find something you like.
Anyone else please
Personally I hang around the 5/8 to 6/8 range for my razors. Revisor has a good range of new and vintage blades to choose from Rasiermesser .
Bob
Haven't used the flowing model, but I have a Dovo Bismarck that shaves nicely.
To start, as mentioned a 5/8 or 6/8 razor, 1/2 hollow ground is what I started with. Pretty much right down the middle, not a wedge, not a full hollow, and right at the mid-range size.
My first blade was a Dovo Best Quality, it's a great blade and not to expensive.
Between hose two the BL for sure.
It is also the opposite of your big razor - 5/8 and extra hollow ground, so you would likely need to spend some time with it to develop better shaving technique.
Guys thank you very much for all the info I appreciate it . I gather that the 5/8-6/8 are the size I should go for but what other makes are there out there besides dovo and what have u found works for you. Thanks
Plenty of brands, especially if you include the vintage production - Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Library
Thanks dude but why do some people prefer vintage over new razors
Well, for that answer I think you'll have to spend some time reading on the forum ;)
I startet shaving with a straight razor about 4 months ago so I dont know too much. My first razor was a Muhle RM30 (belive its a rebranded Dovo). Pretty cheap (compared to new Dovo's) and shaves like a dream from what I can tell. 5/8 hollow ground.
As mentioned, 5/8 or 6/8 blades from a good manufacturer will be a good place to start. I only have one new production razor, a 6/8 Thiers Issard. It shaves as good as any vintage razor I have. If I were looking to buy another new blade, my first choice would be a Spanish point Ralf Aust, second would be a Dovo Bismarck. Those are just razors that fit my personal taste. Any razor from the known good razor manufacturers will serve you well.
1. Cheaper (Generally)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan81
2. Generally new blades tend to be full hollow, whereas lots of vintage blades have a range of grinds that add to the experience. You’ll find a marked difference between a full hollow and a wedge or even a true frameback, for that matter.
3. History.
4. Restoration. Some vintage blades have been neglected and some people find it enjoyable to restore them to their prime condition. I must confess I quite enjoy taking a razor with chips and/or cracks and scabby scales, working for a few hours and ending with something that looks almost new (Poetic licence required with the more neglected razors).
My first razor was a half hollow Dovo Best Quality 5/8". Excellent starter razor, make sure you get your first razors from a vendor that will hone them well. I also recommend if you look for a vintage check the classifieds, most are honed shave ready. If you are starting out I do not recommend Ebay until you are more familiar with what to look for in a razor.
I would get a 5/8 Dovo you just cant go wrong with that size or brand. I have both 5/8 and 6/8 and the 5/8 are so easy to work with.
Treat yourself and will be glad you did.