Thread: Beginner seeking opinion

The biggest problem with Gold Dollars is the heel. Sometimes, they are cast poorly and protrude, keeping the stropping and honing from properly contacting the heel. And, grinding the heel down is labor intensive. But, you don't seem to be describing this problem.

As for the metal, I have used maybe 5 or 6 Gold Dollars. All would shave well. But, I tended to strop once in the middle of a shave. Stropping between every section might be overkill. Not a problem, but just more stropping than needed.

The thing about Gold Dollar razors is that they will shave. I have never found them to hold an edge for long, but they will hone up and shave. The problems with some of the new ones are corrected usually when bought from a vendor vs. ebay. The hard part with a new guy and any razor is that technique and stropping generally cause most of the problems in the beginning, but as the technique and stropping improve usually the sharpness of the razor increases. You can find decent razors in the classified's and definitely a new razor that will last a lifetime for under $100.

If you want, I'll re-hone your current razor on me and then you can practice your technique some more as you look around. Shoot me a PM is you want.