Thread: Finding the right razor model

Hi all,

I've been looking into converting to straight blade shaving. Since there isn't really any brick&mortar razor shop in my area, I've been looking online for information.

Based on what I could read online, I came to the conclusion that the razor that would suit me would be:

- Stainless steel
- 5/8" or 6/8"
- Wedge
- I'd probably go for Dovo as they seem one of the de facto choice for razor blades.

Now, I've been around many website looking to buy one razor online, but I can't seem to find any website that gives information on what you actually buy. Many website only give the model, brand and size of the blade. Some might say the material it's been made of or the grind, but hardly ever both. Let alone allowing me to actually filter the models based on those criteria.

I even went directly to Dovo's website and the information doesn't seem available there either.

Am I just bad at searching for information, or is it just hard to find it?

A 5/8 half hollow stainless is pretty stiff, you don't need a wedge. Dovo makes these.

Originally Posted by KenBourassa

Based on what I could read online, I came to the conclusion that the razor that would suit me would be:

- Stainless steel
- 5/8" or 6/8"
- Wedge
- I'd probably go for Dovo as they seem one of the de facto choice for razor blades.

Stainless Steel: I don't own any stainless-steel straight razors, nor have I ever shaved with one. However, what I've read here on SRP, and elsewhere, and what friends of mine who do have first-hand knowledge of/with them have told me, is that on one hand, they take a lot longer to hone, than carbon steel; while, on the other hand, stainless steel holds its edge significantly longer than carbon steel.

Size: I like 5/8" and 6/8"; smaller than that, and I find I have to "power" the blade more than is good (and which causes accidents); larger than that, and I find that the weight takes away from my focus, and the dimensions become awkward (shaving my upper lip becomes a challenge with a 7/8" blade, and almost impossible with an 8/8" or larger). 11/16" is a convenient size, and you'll find a great many from which to choose.

Grind: Do you really mean a wedge? That's an awful lot of metal, makes honing more difficult, and adds weight. On the other hand, a "stiff grind" -- say, 1/4- or 1/2-hollow -- provides the rigidity with which I'm comfortable, at a size/weight that lets me concentrate on shaving, rather than on worrying about cutting myself and/or getting a sub-par shave.

Originally Posted by kwlfca

I wouldn't get a wedge. I'd get something off the classifieds or get a Dovo Best Quality.

As Brother Kyle wrote, I'd get something from the SRP classifieds... for a number of reasons:

1. When we put a razor (or any other item) up for sale on the SRP classifieds, we're putting our names and reputations on the line. We're that "upright nail", and if what we're offering doesn't measure-up, we're gonna get "hammered down".
2. You'll find a wider variety of manufacturers, styles, and sizes in the SRP classifieds, than in most any commercial store (brick-and-mortar, or online).
3. The prices are right!

Anyway, it's a great big world, and SRP is definitely a one-stop shop for learning, learning, and learning (and contributing, too).

Smooth shaving!

Originally Posted by KenBourassa

Am I just bad at searching for information, or is it just hard to find it?

You are not bad at searching...since you found this site.
And if you are thinking about learning how to shave with a Straight Razor this is the place.
If you spend a few (ok, more than a few) hours on this site looking at the reference material, shave wiki etc. you will find everything you need in the way of advice, teaching tools recommendations for our kit etc.

My suggestions:
Read/review for a while to see what is out there.
Keep it as simple as possible - there is a lot to learn and the fewer variables the better.
If you buy new, make sure it is from a dealer who can delivery a "Shave Ready" razor (one of the first things to read about) New Razors from SRD come with a free (re)honing for the price of postage for instance.
Used? There are some great basic razors here at the SRP Classifieds - some of them also come with re-honing for the price of postage.
Razor size? Think basic, 5/8 or 6/8 Round Point - Hollow to start.

Want to ease in? You can go to WalMart or CVS or Walgrens or Amazon and look for the VDH kit (Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care) (there are other more expensive starter kits)
This will give you a chance to try Wet Shaving, making lather with soap and a brush (one of those skills you have to master along the way) while you are reading about that put a blade to your throat thing...

And welcome to SRP, you are amongst friends...

Originally Posted by KenBourassa

Am I just bad at searching for information, or is it just hard to find it?

I also have difficulty finding information on SRP, but learned that Google can be my friend. Whenever I need to search for information on SRP, I use this syntax:

keyword(s) site:straightrazorplace.com

For example, I needed to search for the use of acronyms in SRP posts, so I used this search command:

WTF site:straightrazorplace.com

and found that there were 550 instances of posts that contain "WTF" on SRP.

It works most every time!

you can also ask google questions about anything just like you would a person. Sounds silly but people have probably asked your question before! If I can't find something on google, it's probably not on the internet :P