Thread: Need some assistance with my new obsession.

So I've shaved with my first SR three times.
I got it three days ago.
It's a Dovo Inox Stainless 5/8 round point Olivewood.

I want to buy another razor. Correction, I'm going to buy another razor. My need for assistance comes in with not knowing what to buy. I spend time browsing and can't pick one to purchase easily over another.

I'm aware based on what I've read that preference is prominent in what razors become favored. I'm also aware of what's considered to be a good style of razor for a beginner. I think I'm okay with getting something that isn't a round point. I'm definitely okay with a razor over 5/8.
I should also note that I'm very careful and have a lot of patience with the actual act of shaving and stropping. I don't see myself becoming careless and ruining a razor anytime soon.

Anyhow, I'd like to ask for some all time favorite suggestions so that I could narrow down the selection of razors to choose from. I am usually on SRP on my mobile and apologize if a similar thread has been done already.

My parameters are pretty open. Budget isn't really a concern though I'm not anxious to spend $500-$600 on my second razor.

So, thank you in advance SRP. I appreciate all of your contributions to this very encouraging and enabling site.

Kind Regards,

Alex

Firstly I would strongly suggest using the razor you have for a while longer, until you have your technique under control. However I realize that it is unlikely that you will listen
Have you had a look at what is available from dovo, theirs issard, ralf Aust, Boker and revisor, as far as I am aware they are the mainstays of quality new production razors. I should say that I haven't used or own any of them, I suggest looking so that you can identify some design cues that appeal to you. As it stands you will get 100 different answers from 100 different guys.
Another good source of nice razors would be our classifieds section if vintage appeals to you.

I'd strongly recommend you get your razor properly honed.
Unless you've bought it from a retailer who have explicitly stated that they hone it before sale it will have a lot better shave to give than you're currently getting.

My first SR was a dovo and my face glowed from razor burn after I used it straight out of the box.

Before buying a second razor you should get the most out of that one.

Thanks for the opinions.

The razor I have was honed and is providing me with a decent shave experience. I think at this point that falls more on my lack of technique than on the razor itself.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Firstly I would strongly suggest using the razor you have for a while longer, until you have your technique under control. However I realize that it is unlikely that you will listen
Have you had a look at what is available from dovo, theirs issard, ralf Aust, Boker and revisor, as far as I am aware they are the mainstays of quality new production razors. I should say that I haven't used or own any of them, I suggest looking so that you can identify some design cues that appeal to you. As it stands you will get 100 different answers from 100 different guys.
Another good source of nice razors would be our classifieds section if vintage appeals to you.

I completely agree with this, but also agree that you are unlikely to listen. So...

You probably want something different from what you have, so I would also suggest the Classifieds first and then, amongst the current production razors, Ralf Aust. Among the current production makers, Aust's seem to be the most consistent in my limited experience and opinion. Since your first razor is a 5/8, I suggest that you try either a 6/8 or 7/8. Try to not jump up to anything any bigger than that yet.

I've been looking at them on the SRD site. 6/8 is what I'm leaning towards.

How much trickier is a square point to a round point? Should I stay with round for now or do I ride in to the danger zone??

Yes that was a Top Gun reference.

Danger zone, that's what I call my son.

I prefer 6/8 square point full hollows, right now. Who knows in a few months I may go back to near wedges.

Square points are great for being very precise, say you have facial hair that you need to get nice tight lines on. The problem with square points is that they have a tendency to cut if you're not paying attention. With a barbers notch, round point, French point, etc, you can get into hollows around the neck area or those pesky spots around the lips. That being said I love the way a square point looks and just a little bit of muting on the tip can make it much more forgiving to the uninitiated.

I think you get whatever peeks your fancy now and just get another one when your taste changes.

So are barbers notch and French point more forgiving than a square point?

I would say round point till you feel, down the line, that you can handle a sneaky point reminding you that you can bleed if you lose concentration even for a split second. 5/8 and 6/8 are the preferred sizes for starting. After you are competent in your technique you might try larger and/or smaller. I started with a 4/8 and now prefer 6/8 and larger. I do have a few 3/8's somewhere around here that I use for special occasions to trim around my goatee and mo.