Suggestions for my first SR?

Okay, here is a little bit of info on me:

I took up learning to use disposable straight razors at the first part of this year. I like it far more than using nasty multi-blades. However, my disposable straight razor isn't doing a good enough of a job for me. The pieces that are supposed to catch the disposable blade doesn't keep it level anymore, and the blade no longer will lie perfectly flat in the razor.

So I am in need of a straight razor. I've been interested in one for awhile (ever since I started using straight razors for shaving), but I think I can now commit the money.

My budget is up to $300 for everything, including the strop. I am also willing to go the high-end feather disposable route if its suggested (is it?).

Primarily, I was looking at Hart Steel razors, but I am unsure if they are good, or if there is a better razor for the same price. Preferably, the razor would cost under $250 by itself, so I can get a decent strop, mug, and other needed items.


Finally, a random question which is more about shaving than the razor itself: Is there a large difference in technique for a traditional bladed razor vs. a disposable?

Thanks!

In you budget, the world is your oyster. Personally, I'd buy two nice, shave ready razors from the classifieds here. That way you know they will be good shavers and you will be able to let them rest between shaves. I'm also partial to the classic blades. There are so many to choose from.

Goog

If I am reading right, SRD has Boker and Dovo. Is there a preference on which one is better?

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Originally Posted by Mrstickball

If I am reading right, SRD has Boker and Dovo. Is there a preference on which one is better?

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If you were talking vintage the Boker would probably be a better choice though Dovo made some fantastic blades too. For new I would just get whatever fancies you. I think the quality is about the same.

I would still look at the classifieds here and get a vintage.

Don't spend too much, that's a great budget but you can buy many good razors for that amount. Make sure it, or they, are shave ready (this is very important).

+1 on the previous advice. Just because you have $300.00 to spend on a straight razor set doesn't mean that you need to spend that much for a new razor. Forget about the Feather imho. As suggested previously--check the websites of two of the vendors who advertise here--SRD or VB--for razor & strop sets. You can get a quality starter razor & strop set, plus 1-2 very good soaps/creams for a lot less than the amount you have to spend. Practice your stropping, shaving and maintenance technique (ie. periodically oiling the blade) with that razor. Then when your RAD kicks in you can begin looking at more upscale, expensive and aesthetically pleasing razors.

Just my 2 cents of advice...

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If you were talking vintage the Boker would probably be a better choice though Dovo made some fantastic blades too. For new I would just get whatever fancies you. I think the quality is about the same.

I would still look at the classifieds here and get a vintage.

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Pretty much my sentiments!

Weighing in late here, but I would also recommend SRD

You can get a fantastic strop, a fully shave ready razor, brush, and soap in one go, or you can just get a razor and strop from them, then go elsewhere...

I would have to suggest getting whatever razor+strop set is cheapest at the time (as long as it is cheaper than getting a razor and strop individually from them) and then getting brush and soap/cream elsewhere... However, they also do the Razor, Strop, Brush and Soap kits which are great quality for great price.

I also suggest getting the 3" strop, rather than the cheaper 2"... It's just so much easier to learn on...

PM me if you have any questions, I am more than happy to help (And I am online too damn often :p )

Good luck!

Cheers,
Jeremy

I bought my Dovo 6/8 Best Quality and strop set from SRD. I also wanted a nice 5/8 and the Boker King Kutter went on sale at SRD. Both of these are great razors, and arrived shave ready. I was just getting started too, and wanted a basic razor that had a good blade on it. The nice thing about SRD is they also give you a voucher good for one free hone on your new razor.:)

As a relatively new guy too, I've had good luck with a smaller blade. I first bought a Dovo best quality 5/8 razor. I shaved a few times then raided an antiques shop and found an old Long and Taylor Co. 4/8 razor. I found that the 4/8 was less blade heavy and was easier to maneuver around my face. I went from nicking myself often to zero nicks and my best shave so far. I would suggest a 4/8 or the smallest you can find but this is just my opinion. good luck and have fun with it...you'll never believe you would be excited to shave.

I presume you've already read the shopping list in the beginners guide, so here is my personal take on the situation.

1. One shave ready new or NOS razor. I would either go for a Dovo "Best Quality" 6/8 half hollow from SRD, or a http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...003-5-8-a.html. Get something in the USD 50 department from the classifieds that looks nice and meets the beginner criteria laid out in the FAQ.
2. Get high quality cream and aftershave. Castle Forbes will cost you, but it is a good investment, and if you have the money, it should be your safest bet. Personally, I would go for "Lime", or http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ing-cream.html.
3. As for strops, I would go for an SRD strop, no questions asked. Best value for money in the market, if you ask me. I have, and like, both the Premium I and IV. With your budget, the P IV extra long would be an option. It should make stropping easier (less flips you need to do).
4. This one might stretch your budget already, but http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...ilver-tip.html is a killer brush. The fun thing about the Thäter brushes is that they will work with both soaps and creams, yet still be soft on the skin. Lovely stuff.

So there. Personal, high priced, and probably not exactly what you're looking for - because it is all very personal, our hobby is ;)

Happy shopping,
Robin

Like many others, my first straight was the Dovo 5/8 "Best Quality." It is a fine razor, but I soon found myself wishing I'd spent just a little more and gotten something a little more interesting, even just a "Dovo-Special." I know to a lot of people it probably doesn't make a difference, I just found the "Best Quality" to be a bit boring. Also +1 on finding a vintage razor in the classifieds, I've seen pleanty of nice razors coming up that cost less than either of the new Dovos.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mrstickball

Okay, here is a little bit of info on me:

I took up learning to use disposable straight razors at the first part of this year. I like it far more than using nasty multi-blades. However, my disposable straight razor isn't doing a good enough of a job for me. The pieces that are supposed to catch the disposable blade doesn't keep it level anymore, and the blade no longer will lie perfectly flat in the razor.

So I am in need of a straight razor. I've been interested in one for awhile (ever since I started using straight razors for shaving), but I think I can now commit the money.

My budget is up to $300 for everything, including the strop. I am also willing to go the high-end feather disposable route if its suggested (is it?).

Primarily, I was looking at Hart Steel razors, but I am unsure if they are good, or if there is a better razor for the same price. Preferably, the razor would cost under $250 by itself, so I can get a decent strop, mug, and other needed items.


Finally, a random question which is more about shaving than the razor itself: Is there a large difference in technique for a traditional bladed razor vs. a disposable?

Thanks!

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I love the DOVO Bismark....

My suggestion is that you find a razor that makes you smile when you look at it. Any of the razors coming out of Germany or France have the potential to be a great shaver since they are all fine quality.