Thread: Dovo and Rough Rider...dynamic duo?

I have a Dovo Classic and a Rough Rider Black Widow that I use almost daily. I have honed the Rough Rider to a 17.5 degree inclusive with a 20 degree micro bevel and it shaves extremely well (surprisingly, as it is a soft 440 stainless). I can perform a hair drop test and it passes with flying colors. The reason I paired these two up is to show people thinking about getting into shaving with a small budget, that you don't have to go out and spend 300 dollars on a razor. If you take the time to learn how to hone and maintain an edge you can take a sub 20 dollar Chinese razor and make it perform just as good if not better than that of one 30 times the cost. This isn't to discourage anyone from purchasing a work of art such as a Dovo but if you're just getting started I would highly recommend purchasing a cheaper one. Not only to save cost if you don't in fact like it, but to learn how to effectively bevel and maintain your razor. Yes, a cheaper razor will require more maintenance..Yes, you get what you pay for..But I think we should drop the notion that one should have to spend absurd amounts on razors just to find out they don't really like it. Buy an inexpensive razor..maintain it...learn the intricacies of the steel..strop it...and enjoy it knowing you've only spent a small amount on it. To me, that makes shaving all the more gratifying and rewarding..knowing that you took a cheap razor that most people would scoff at, and made it not only shave ready, but a comfortable shave as well. Hope this was helpful and encouraging for someone who is considering getting into straights. Although they look high end..they don't always demand high end prices!😁