Thread: Time to upgrade?

Thanks everyone, I'll have a look around for a vintage - I'd always been intimidated by the BST threads, but hadn't realised you could post a WTB, that might things a lot easier!

Stropping is the clue to maintain and even increase the quality of the blade. When I read "on my old strop" I guess there might be a problem at this point. Stropping on an old leather can be desastrous if not flat, if too dry with cracks on the surface. Stropping with abrasive paste is maintaining the sharpness without getting any smoothness. Be sure to have a good strop or paddle.

Ah, I meant the strop I used to use - I started with a cheap and cheerful one for practicing, but have upgraded to a very nice Westholme since then. I use the old one now for pasting only, and do routine stropping on the better one. Whether my technique is up to snuff is another matter...!

Okay, I see. By the way, routine stropping is like applying wax on a wooden floor to keep its shine. But pasting is like using the rotative sandpaper on the floor. It is not something you do on schedule. You do it when absolutely necessary, because you scrap a layer of wood. Same thing with pasting the razor edge.

AMarsReject, I'm sending you a PM.

If I where you I would defently go for a vintage shave ready razor. Alot of sellers on the bay. However, shave ready dosnt have to mean they truly are shave ready. But if you find something there, use the knowledge here. Alot of ppl that know a hell lot of things about razors. Best part is everyone is very kind and helpfull.

I'm sure JP5 is going to help you out.

But if that doesn't work, I'd recommend staying away from eBay and looking in the B/S/T for your next razor.
Not only will you get a quality razor it will be shave ready!! Unless of course the seller says otherwise.

Good luck

Like everyone, I think an upgrade is in order. I like newer razors. My preference is Dovo, though Boker and Thiers Issard are among other well respected brands that are currently manufactured.

You mentioned having a shavette. You didn't mention what kind and which blade type it uses. I have a Dovo Shavette that uses a blade with a spine and is longer that a regular blade. This one provides awesome shaves.

There are a couple of things I like about the shavette. First, there is no question regarding whether the blade is sharp. Also, I use the shavette to keep my shaving skills sharp. Good form is required with a shavette or you'll cut yourself.

The first thing I would do is get the Gold Dollar professionally honed, then you will know whether it is is the edge itself (it is) or something else. A Gold Dollar is just a crudely made 6/8-13/16 half hollow, and provided that it wasn't really borked when they ground it - and some are - it will probably shave just fine. I use them to test stones and technique all the time.

That said, shaving with a factory Gold Dollar isn't that much fun, so I'd try something different, a nice vintage would be a good experience for you. You could also scare up some better 'donor' scales, a lot of the Gold Dollar's poor ergonomics are from the scales which are IMO the worst part of a Gold Dollar.

Cheers, Steve

In comparing the shavette and even a GD razor. Does not matter if it is a Dovo, Boker, Wade & Butcher or any other brand, comparing a real straight to a shavette IMO is not apples to apples. The blade used in a shavette is generally honed to have multiple bevels, they have a slickness coating on them and they are dang near paper thin. But with all that said, a CCS is very possible with either a shavette or a straight razor. I personally believe a real straight to be more forgiving than a shavette. From what I have read a GD can give an amazing shave, so could a piece of glass I imagine ;D I would suggest you get one from the BST here like has been mentioned. There are lots of reputable guys on here that sell good blades ready to go. With a properly honed razor, a good stropping technique and all such things I believe you can achieve the same level of shave from a true straight that you do from a shavette.