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I have been thinking about starting straight razor shaving for some time now. So far I am interested in the hart steel razors and thiers-issard le grelot straight razors. From the reviews I have read both seem to be simple everyday shavers without the fancy extras that I don't want or care for (such as gold stamps etc). I would like your opinions on which (if either) would be a good razor for a beginner.
-Neil
both are good razors, i myself only have been using grelots lately and love them
Here is my post of a new grelot i just received.http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ew-grelot.html
I would recommend that you try straight shaving with something a bit less pricey, in case you decide it isn't for you. A DOVO Best Quality is both highly functional, simple, and much less expensive than a Thiers or Hart. It would also leave you more money for things that genuinely affect the shave (The razor, honestly, doesn't so much) like a good strop, brush, soap etc.
good advice bkratchner.
Hi,
+1 on Benjamins' advice.
I don't have a Hart, but do have 1/4 grind Le Grelot, and it is a very fine razor indeed.
I also have a 5/8 Dovo Best, and would definitely recommend that you try that first :) It is an excellent razor !
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
For a first razor those 2 are pricey. Take a look at Straight Razor Designs,
They run a monthly special on razors that is hard to beat.
The razors come shave ready to.
Silver2
They are kind of expencive but if I had to buy one of the 2 it would be a Hart Steel I own 2 of them and they are Great shavers.
thanks for the advice guys I checked out straight razor designs and am now looking at the dovo best quality 5/8 or 6/8... I'll wait to buy a more expensive razor when I am more experienced and know that this is something I will stick with
I know the decisions been madeI totally agree with Ben.
Both TI and Hart razors are great, but you could get something for far less money. I would also recommend a DOVO Best Quality or a Black Star. Both are superb shavers and well made.
My first razor was a Black Star and its still one of my best shavers.
I have a DOVO 6/8 half hollow ground from Vintage Blades that is very nice beginner blade. My first razor was a Boker King Cutter 5/8, but I think the DOVO is a little more forgiving not only in the shave, but also in stropping. I think the others you are looking at would be great, but as others mentioned, wait until you have some experience. I've only been at it 3 weeks now, but I am improving each day. Take care and go slow. I was in too much of a hurry and had some nasty nicks and cuts because of my impatience.
That's a good move and definitely the way forward. Good luck.Quote:
Originally Posted by nokelly
A Dovo best or Tortoise are excellent beginner razors. They easily take an edge well, give a good shave, and are more forgiving during the shave than disposable straight razor blades.
The more expensive straights that I purchased, stay sharper longer, have a harder steel, are less forgiven, and have some cosmetic features that command a premium.
By learning how to keep the beginner razors tuned for excellent shaves and learning how to properly straight shave, I was better prepared to purchase the more expensive straight razors without suffering any "user" setbacks.
The nice thing about the Dovo Best and Tortoise is that you can sell them to other novices when if/when you have moved on to other straight razors.
Pabster
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pabster
I bought a Dovo Tortoise a while back, I have been learning to shave with a soligen 5/8. I tried the Dovo today and I had a much easier time shaving especially with my neck. I'm going to stick with the Dovo for the time being and i would recommend it to a novice looking for a "good" new razor.
They are very different razors, one is full hollow the other is wedge. The Hart steel razor doesn't have the same level of polish, and the steel is quite prone to oxidation so it'll require a more care if you want it to keep looking as shiny.