As many of you know... ive been battling with myself... (and even a member or two lol sorry) about what kind of razor to buy as my first.. considering i have made more room in my finances for this purchase... ive re shopped the new razor market, and have discovered a number of things that would fit into my budget, and are quite nice looking...

well, i wouldnt say a number... but a few... to start, the dovo bismarck... very nice looking razor, especially the round point (if only they made a spike point with the same spine) but one of my biggest concerns with that razor, is the face of the gold plating... some members here have stated that i wouldnt have to worry about "taking off a plating" with honing a razor... well... this is the exception to the rule... wont honing kill the plating on this razor?

the other is the micarta scaled dovo, with the "damascus-esque" type blade... really nice looking blade, but same problem as the bismarck... and, temporarily out of stock lol

last... is the blue steel model..... VERY nice looking black finish... but, how long will that finish last with a few hones? my guess is not much... but maybe someone here can beg to differ?

now all this aside... the biggest question is... should i go with one of these? or keep my heart set on a vintage masterpiece? given the fact that looks are important to me, its going to be hard finding a really high polish, nice looking razor thats vintage in my price range... but, quality first..