Please assist.

Hey all,As I am still very new to this wonderful world of straights I need some help, I already own a geneva straight which I am busy restoring. I am busy looking at a new razor, something that is shave ready. I almost made the mistake of purchasing a Krieger striaght but thanks to Jimbo I was able to avert a big mistake. I now am looking between a crowing rooster or an imperial. Does anyone have any experience with either of these brands? Apparently their blades are made in Germany not imported.

If you're in the US, it's hard to beat the Dovo "Best Quality" for a low-cost razor. Try the Straight Razor Designs website. Also from The Superior Shave and other sellers. It should be hand-honed by the seller before he ships it to you.

Less-expensive new blades have spotty reputations, according to what's posted here. There's a list of "Brands to Avoid" in the Wiki; I don't know if the Rooster or Imperial is on it.

The problem is that the quality of the razor is largely set by how it's tempered -- and that's _completely invisible_. Dovo's aren't cheap, but they are reliable.

Charles

I would go with anything honed by a pro. Larry at whippeddog might have what you are looking for. Good prices if you are not looking for a "looker" but it sure well shave great.

Hi Gir01. If the Imperial razor is new I'd say read this thread but also judge by the cost. New razors in the cost ranges from single digits to low double digits are not what you want
http://straightrazorpalace.com/ladie...perial-uk.html

If it's a vintage Imperial they are good razors.

The Crowing Rooster razors on eBay claim German Steel but the geometry on these cheap razors may not be conducive to honing. I would hazard a guess they are built similarly to Kriegers. 440C is a stainless steel used by some of the best manufactures like Henckels razors. If you compare the prices you will see why the cheaper ones are most likely 'razor like objects'

+1 on Dovo best quality. I have a 6/8 full hollow and it is great shaver. yes the handle is flimsy and the finish is not the best there is but the blade geometry is decent and the steel is of high quality.

Hey guys thank you so much for all the help, I have decided to hold off on getting a new straight until I can find a quality one, probably from the classifieds as it is hellishly difficult to get straights in south africa. I am rather going to try and get my geneva honed although again not very easy to find someone here who would be able to do it for me. Thanks guys.

No problem! that is probably a wise idea. very good razors show up on the classifieds and they usually make a sound choice. Im sure there must be members from south africa! best of luck!

Dan