Thread: What do you recommend as a step up razor?

Hi guys, I am currently using a Dovo Best Quality 5/8 full hollow razor. I am looking to buy a new razor. What would you guys recommend as a step up? I don't mean a fancier scales or gold itching, instead what g
kind of shape, grind, size, hollowness etc?

initially I am thinking of a 6/8 dovo bismark, Dovo Flowing 6/8 thiers issard 1937 special coiffeur 6/8 ,dovo best quality 6/8 full hollow or half hollow.

I am open to other choices. thanks for your input

A thiers issard special coiffeur is a good razor, is it a step up ? I am not sure. I find all modern production dovos or theirs, will shave equally well if well honed and stropped.

Have you ever thought of getting a professionally sharpened vintage razor? You can't go wrong with a nice vintage puma or le grelot for example.

If money isn't an issue and you want something new, you can try to get your hands on a new thiers issard issued Le Grelot..

Originally Posted by Badgister

A thiers issard special coiffeur is a good razor, is it a step up ? I am not sure. I find all modern production dovos or theirs, will shave equally well if well honed and stropped.

Have you ever thought of getting a professionally sharpened vintage razor? You can't go wrong with a nice vintage puma or le grelot for example.

If money isn't an issue and you want something new, you can try to get your hands on a new thiers issard issued Le Grelot..

Maybe I should have asked instead " what should be my next razor after trying the Dovo best quality 5/8 as my first razor?"

un-answerable question! Do you wanna experiment? if you do try a different grind/size razor. Try a different brand of razor, there really is not a step up- There is only the next of many razors you will try and either like or not like. Any of the mentioned above actions are viable. If i were you i would be promiscuous with my razors until you find what you like.

Whenever I decided to get another razor it was always one that caught my eye or one that I have been wanting. Pick one that you like and are willing to buy and get it. I find most razors give a great shave. It is just different grinds and sizes that change things. Just remember take it slow cause buying razor can get out of hand pretty fast. Atleast it did with me.

Originally Posted by stonebraker

un-answerable question! Do you wanna experiment? if you do try a different grind/size razor. Try a different brand of razor, there really is not a step up- There is only the next of many razors you will try and either like or not like. Any of the mentioned above actions are viable. If i were you i would be promiscuous with my razors until you find what you like.

Exactly, I would like to experiment, and since the dovo best quality 5/8 is the only razor I have ever used, then I don't yet know what I like.

Any advise on what I should try next?

There are many vintage razor vendors out there on-line if you wish to go that rout. You can also use the classifieds here and check out some of those razors. The razor emporium online usually has a couple to choose from as well. I choose my vintage razors like I choose my wine. If the label looks cool drink it- Good luck buddy

It's a very subjective choice, a new razor. And because you aren't sure of what you like it makes it very difficult to recommend anything specifically and keep that recommendation targeted to your needs.

As others have said, experimentation is one way to go - that's what I did. On the upside you get empirical evidence of what you like and don't. On the downside you end up with a lot of razors...

Another way is to research - check out the various vendor's sites, read up on the various threads devoted to different razors and brands etc.

Personally, I think it is hard to "step up" from a well-honed Dovo Best Quality - they are an excellent shaving razor in my experience. However, I do understand that they are fairly plain and besides that it is always nice to have another razor or two.

As for suggestions (not necessarily "better" razors, just different) - there are other, prettier Dovos: goldwashed, different points, sizes, prettier scales (I just honed a Bismark for someone - very pretty razor). Then there are the TIs - I really like the look of the "Dreadnought" though I've never tried one - again in various points, grinds, sizes etc. You can go vintage - the choices are baffling there and I won't even try to catalogue them: doing searches will show you the good brands. Just remember that if you go vintage you also then introduce another aspect to the search - condition. So you'll need to look carefully at other things like wear, scale condition etc if you go that route.

Good luck. I am sure that, if you do a little research, whatever you get will be enjoyable.

James.

As mentioned, you won't really be "stepping up" on the razor shave. You'll have to think of it in a different way.

When I started SR shaving, I bought a new DOVO 6/8 Best Quality 1/2 hollow and had it professionally honed to "shave ready". It shaves great and I still use it as my main SR. Later on I started buying vintage SRs from flea markets, learned to hone, honed the vintage SRs, and had great shaves with them too. I didn't restore the vintage SRs -- it's on my to-do list -- but I still liked a few of them better than my new, shiny DOVO.

What you're probably looking to do is get a SR with a different "personality". It may not look as fancy or shiny as your DOVO or other SRs, but you may like its feel, grip, shape, grind, edge, sound effect from shaving, etc. better than that of other SRs. You'll have to try out other SRs to find out what you like; pictures may speak 1000 words, but they can only give you a bit of info on the SRs "personality".

I would agree with Henry - try something different enough to show you what another style might be like.

I went to a wider blade from a Best Quality 5/8 full hollow to 6/8 half hollow.

I like both and would like to try a wider blade again and maybe a wedge or near wedge.

I think a more narrow blade will be "touchier" and so put those off till later.

So much to try and only one try per day .....