'lil help with my next SR

Fellas. My SR shaving has progressed leaps and bounds since I started a couple months ago. Been using a basic Dovo 5/8. I'm starting to think that perhaps an upgrade is due. I find the Dovo shaves well, but I can imagine better. And honestly, I can't get this thing all that sharp - now that's prolly more to do w/ my sharpening/stropping skills than the blade itself. But using the same stones & stropping mediums - different techniques though - I feel I can get my Japanese kitchen knives sharper. I don't have issues w/ razor burn or pulling.

Saying all that, I'm looking for recomendations for my next SR. My price is around $150. I'm looking for something that is considered a good everyday shaver. I've love to drop the coin on soemthing really nice like a Harner, Hart Steel, Carter or DT, but alas I can't allocate those types of funds right now. Is there anything in the $100-$150 range that is a "better" shaver than a basic Dovo? Cheers all! mpp

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Originally Posted by mpukas

Fellas. My SR shaving has progressed leaps and bounds since I started a couple months ago. Been using a basic Dovo 5/8. I'm starting to think that perhaps an upgrade is due. I find the Dovo shaves well, but I can imagine better. And honestly, I can't get this thing all that sharp - now that's prolly more to do w/ my sharpening/stropping skills than the blade itself. But using the same stones & stropping mediums - different techniques though - I feel I can get my Japanese kitchen knives sharper. I don't have issues w/ razor burn or pulling.

Saying all that, I'm looking for recomendations for my next SR. My price is around $150. I'm looking for something that is considered a good everyday shaver. I've love to drop the coin on soemthing really nice like a Harner, Hart Steel, Carter or DT, but alas I can't allocate those types of funds right now. Is there anything in the $100-$150 range that is a "better" shaver than a basic Dovo? Cheers all! mpp

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I too have a Dovo and find that it could be better.

5/8 Bker "Edelweiss" Round Point - white bone : Shaving Shop - luxury classic wet shaving products - straight razors

I find the above razor to be mych better than my Dovo. And above this one I'd get a TI.

That is if you want new and not vintage?

Up to you though? Any other specifications you'd like in a new razor?

The Boker is a fine shaver, and you will get your money"s worth. However, If you want to step up in shave quality without spending as much as you have allowed for a new razor, definitely look for a excellent cond. JA Henckels in a 5\8 hollow. I do believe they are the best value for the money in the vintage market. I know there are hundred"s of brands that deliver great shaves, but with the Henckels you get the best of both worlds---great shaves and a razor that will increase in collector value. Best Regards and Happy Shaving, wildhog

I'm curious. No pull? No razor burn? Shaves well? Why do you feel you need a better razor?

At this pint it's still probably experience holding you back rather then the razor... That said I'm always glad to help others separate from their money... A vintage blade is probably your best bet for best shave for the least money and I agree with the above post that henckels are at the top of the list. I have a fioduor that shaves better then my filly or hart. If not I'm a big fan of TIs but they start at the high end of your budget.

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Originally Posted by leadduck

I'm curious. No pull? No razor burn? Shaves well? Why do you feel you need a better razor?

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Partly because Id like to try a new razor and see what else is out there.

And partly because I'm thinking/wondering that a basic Dovo is the equivalent of Wusthoff-Henckles kitchen knives of the SR world - good by all means, but there's much better out there. One of my professions is a private chef and I've used German knives since I started taking cooking seriously 20+ years ago. A few months ago I wanted to upgrade my knives and stumbled into the world of Japanese knives and steel and it's been a mind altering experience. Not at all trying to imply that I think a kamisori is the be all/end all, but I'd like to know about what SR's are "better" than what I've got currently.

I read about people talking about their SR's and what a "great shever" they are; Like I said, I can shave just fine w/ my Dovo, but I wouldn't call it great.

I'm open to both new and used in excellent condition. Not really interested in restoring a razor at this point, but I can put an edge on one if it's in good shape otherwise. There are so many used SR's out there and I don't know anything about them. About the only thing I know I want for now is 5/8-6/8, hollow ground, round point, no frame back. If I found a good deal on a square point I wouldn't pass it up.

btw - what's TIs? Cheers! mpp

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Originally Posted by mpukas

btw - what's TIs? Cheers! mpp

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TI: Thiers Issard, french razor. nice razor but quite expensive. I think the cheapest brand new TI around $200

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Originally Posted by leadduck

I'm curious. No pull? No razor burn? Shaves well? Why do you feel you need a better razor?

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I was wondering the same thing,whats wrong? I have a TI Silverwing and thats not the best shaver
you dont need a reason to want another,but sounds like nothings wrong with this one,get it professionally honed
THAT makes all the difference in the world

Have you ever used a razor honed by a professional? I can assure you that knives are a different beast all together.
I always recommend that straight shavers own at least two razors (for a backup; accidents happen) I would suggest finding one in the classifieds here, the values are generally great and you are very likely to find some of the sharpest edges here. I saw that Sham (hi_bud_gl) put up some great beginner razors today and I know from experience that his edges are some of the sharpest out there.

I have been looking at the BST razor section and I have to tell you that there are some outstanding razors there. I have quite a few razors but could not pass up a basically NOS Kobar High Class - 9/16 from PapaBull. It is an outstanding razor. I snagged that one for $80. Since you have a razor that is usable and you are getting comfortable with, shop around in the BST.

Take Care,
Richard

mpukas....There are so many choices out there, and it is hard to decide.
Especially on a limited budget.

There's no hurry, so I suggest that you experiment with different sizes,
different grinds, and different manufacturers. Find one combination that
you like, and then buy the highest quality you can in that category.

You can always sell the ones that you don't particularly care for. It's a hassle,
but it's a good education.

On the other hand, you probably can't go wrong with purchasing a "known"
good shaver in good condition. It doesn't have to be new.

Just get it professionally honed, and you won't regret the additional expense.

You don't need a huge collection...a few really nice ones is good enough.

Of course, a LOT of really nice ones is even better! ;)

Good luck!

Paul

There is nothing wrong with getting other razors in search for better shaves, I should know. The thing is, as noted by others, the quality of the honing is the bottom line on how well a razor shaves nest to your shaving technique. Getting your razor professionally honed should lick the shave quality of your Dovo up a notch or more. Do note that there will be a difference in how the razor feels between the people that hone your razor and even possibly from the same person on a different day. The differences are caused by experience, technique, particular hones used on that specific razor and the way the person feels while honing. Honing is easy, getting the optimum edge is more challenging.

The best way I have found to experience different razors and honing skills other than spending the money in searching is to go to a straight razor meet or meeting other straight razor users one on one. The knowledge available and eye candy can be amazing.

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Originally Posted by sigit666

TI: Thiers Issard, french razor. nice razor but quite expensive. I think the cheapest brand new TI around $200

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Ah, of course, thanks. I think I knew that but couldn't put 2+2 together...

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Have you ever used a razor honed by a professional? I can assure you that knives are a different beast all together.

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That's definitely something that I want to see for myself. I got my Dovo f/ SRD and it came shave ready. However I wasn't too impressed w/ the edge. Furthermore I prolly mucked that edge up by stropping it on a brand new leather hanging strop also f/ SRD that I hadn't used before. I have found my own edge to be adequate - sharp enough to shave comfortably with, but it won't pass a HHT. Neither would the edge it came with.

I have a certificate for a free hone f/ SRD that I intend to use. I'm thinking I may want to get another razor first so I'm not out of one while I send the Dovo.

I really want to see for myself what a razor shaves like that is really super scary sharp - one that will at least pass the HHT, and/or be able to whittle a hair. I've seen all the vid's, but I can't get there myself yet.

All in due time for that - what I'm mainly focused on for now is my next SR. Cheers! mpp

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Originally Posted by Joed

There is nothing wrong with getting other razors in search for better shaves, I should know. The thing is, as noted by others, the quality of the honing is the bottom line on how well a razor shaves nest to your shaving technique. Getting your razor professionally honed should lick the shave quality of your Dovo up a notch or more. Do note that there will be a difference in how the razor feels between the people that hone your razor and even possibly from the same person on a different day. The differences are caused by experience, technique, particular hones used on that specific razor and the way the person feels while honing. Honing is easy, getting the optimum edge is more challenging.

The best way I have found to experience different razors and honing skills other than spending the money in searching is to go to a straight razor meet or meeting other straight razor users one on one. The knowledge available and eye candy can be amazing.

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That's great - I agree w/ all of that.

What I'm really looking for is recomendations/personal favorite SR's (since I really don't know what's what) to keep an eye out for and put on my wish/watch list. Cheers! mpp

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Originally Posted by mpukas

That's definitely something that I want to see for myself. I got my Dovo f/ SRD and it came shave ready. However I wasn't too impressed w/ the edge. Furthermore I prolly mucked that edge up by stropping it on a brand new leather hanging strop also f/ SRD that I hadn't used before. I have found my own edge to be adequate - sharp enough to shave comfortably with, but it won't pass a HHT. Neither would the edge it came with.

I have a certificate for a free hone f/ SRD that I intend to use. I'm thinking I may want to get another razor first so I'm not out of one while I send the Dovo.

I really want to see for myself what a razor shaves like that is really super scary sharp - one that will at least pass the HHT, and/or be able to whittle a hair. I've seen all the vid's, but I can't get there myself yet.

All in due time for that - what I'm mainly focused on for now is my next SR. Cheers! mpp

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If you weren't impressed with your Dovo as it came honed by Lynn, then I think it's safe to say that it had a lot more to do with your technique than with the edge on the razor. Lynn is one of the best when it comes to honing straight razors.

The HHT is not a good indicator of ultimate sharpness.

I agree with all of the above, but if you note my signature, there are several razors that I wished I had at least 1 of.

My personal favorite, that I just can't seem to save enough to get (darn those ebay razors) is the Bismark (Dovo).

That is one classy razor, for not that bad of a price.

Check it out on SRD.

just my opinion mate!!

Best luck!!

M

Some very good advice already. I believe other than scale materials, there is little difference between the blanks used for basic Dovos and the tortoishell edition for example, nothwithstanding that some are stainless steel and others such as the Renaissance have a shoulderless grind. There are other exceptions such as the Bergischer Lowe but they are mostly the same.

I would look for a New old stock razor - classic shaving sells some excellent examples. In my opinion for what it is worth, vintage are superior.
I would also consider the Revisors.