Thread: Some advice - Inox or Carbon

Hello everyone... I have a quick question for everyone out there.

I'm thinking of getting my "first" straight razor. After doing it a while with a shavette I feel comfortable enough to get a full straight razor and I'm between two different options which I'm quite confused about.

Basically the difference is the material and design.
One is a Dovo En Vogue Ice Tempered Frozen Steel and the other one is a Dovo "Natural" Bamboo.
They are both 5/8 full hollow.

I would really appreciate the help deciding which one. I'm not sure about the differences between maintaining a steel or a carbon, which one would be a better choice for a starter blade?

Thank you in advance.

E.

The short answer for me is that it does not matter. Stainless is less sensitive to careless drying and storage though.

Bob

I've read that carbon blades are easier to hone than stainless ones, but have no first-hand experience there. Both will give great shaves.

Yea, I heard that too. I have 3 or 4 stainless blades and the rest carbon are carbon blades and I can't see much difference if you are just maintaining an edge by doing touch ups. They might take a bit longer on the hones from a complete bevel set up but I have not had to do that yet. Yea, both types can give great shaves.

Bob

I only have three stainless blades but I really do love them for several reasons. First, they don't discolor with use. Even if you're good about drying them well, they will probably show some wear simply through daily use. The soap you use may leave a little mark here or there or you may get a little tarnish over time. Not with INOX. Second, I think they take on a very sharp edge and hold it a good long time. As for honing, I have not noticed much difference. If there is, I've found that I've seen less chipping at the cutting edge during the process than with carbon. But I've really only had to hone one of the three from bevel set all the way up. So I can't be sure how true that statement is. In short, I like INOX and would definitely buy another if the choices were the same but for the material.

Originally Posted by Eco82

Hello everyone... I have a quick question for everyone out there.

I'm thinking of getting my "first" straight razor. After doing it a while with a shavette I feel comfortable enough to get a full straight razor and I'm between two different options which I'm quite confused about.

Basically the difference is the material and design.
One is a Dovo En Vogue Ice Tempered Frozen Steel and the other one is a Dovo "Natural" Bamboo.
They are both 5/8 full hollow.

I would really appreciate the help deciding which one. I'm not sure about the differences between maintaining a steel or a carbon, which one would be a better choice for a starter blade?

Thank you in advance.

E.

Ok I'm going to put this suggestion out there........get both

Wow... Thank you for all your answers, I really appreciate them!
I should mention that the INOX one is a used one, apparently not very much but still used...

Ok I'm going to put this suggestion out there........get both

I wish I could get both, but for now I think I'll have to go with just one of them he he he

Just buy the one you like best. The differences between the two are minor vis a vis stainless-carbon and maint. Personally, I've spent more time honing certain carbon razors than any stainless.

I dislike the texture of the damascus pattern of the En Vogue against my skin otherwise 6 of one or half dozen of the other.

I haven't used anything other than the Shavette, so I think I'll be fine with the En Vogue... besides, it is a really good deal for the blade.
Thank you everyone!!