Advice on first straight

[Mike D]

Hi guys, i've been using a DE for a few months and i'm thinking of trying a straight now. I have my eye on the Dovo Special tortoiseshell, but need advice on whether this is likely to suit me. I have a pretty tough beard, and the only DE blades I can use without pulling are feathers. Would this razor be adequate or would something like a 1/2 hollow make more sense?

Thanks in advance, Mike.

 

[Hughies_online]

Welcome to B&B!

Any str8 should be adequate providing it's properly honed and stropped (and used correctly of course). Its only cutting hair after all and once its sharpened properly, the hairs just leap off your face when they see it coming.

If you have a tougher beard, I'd try a 6/8 carbon blade. Probably best to stay away from stainless because its harder to sharpen properly and can lead to poorer quality shaves if this is not done right.

The Dovo Bismarck will come in both sizes and is a great str8 if you don't mind forking out the money for one.

 

[spanx]

If you want to save aq little cash I suggest getting a vintage straight from one of the restorers here.A razor can only get so sharp whether it is new or vintage.

 

[Leche]

One of the best deals around!

 

[leighton]

One of the best deals around!

Yes, but I don't recommend that razor brand to anyone. Too many problems with them.

Then again, I don't recommend Dovos either. But I'd choose a dovo over a DA/GD.

 

[Luc]

I didn't use a Dovo yet but it's one my bucket list...

+1 on a Vintage straight, I think it's the cheapest way to get you started with something good.

It will need to be shave ready. When it is, you need a strop and read/watch everything you can find!

It's a great leap!

 

[Mike D]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. Definately leaning more towards a new one though as I'm hoping only to ever buy one straight (hopefully).

Hugh - the Bismarck does look great, does all that gold wash not wear off eventually though?

 

[leighton]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. Definately leaning more towards a new one though as I'm hoping only to ever buy one straight (hopefully).

Hugh - the Bismarck does look great, does all that gold wash not wear off eventually though?

Unfortunately it does. Constant wiping off with your towel will wear down the gold wash eventually. It will take a long time, but over the course of decades or maybe years, you will notice fading.

 

[Kappa]

My first straight was a Dovo 5/8" and I absolutely love it. The blade isn't too big which is nice for me since I have a smaller head thus smaller surfaces to go over on my face. I got mine brand new at a cutlery store w/ a Bismarck 1067 strop all for ~$165. Like everyone has said, if you take care of it it'll be something you can pass on to your kids.

Here's the exact one I got: Dovo 5/8" W/ Black Handle I'm a huge fan.

My roomie has a Merkur HD and I'm often tempted to buy one to mix it up with my shaving routine, but each time I use my straight I just think "Man, that was a great shave".

There's plenty of videos on youtube and this tutorial I've only been shaving with my straight for about two months but I find myself constantly reading over new tips to reach the trouble spots.

Welcome to the world of straight razor shaving, keep at it and you'll never look back!

 

[Mike D]

Thanks again everyone for the advice. Think i'll probably go with the special after all, I only seem to see good things said about it.

 

[joshmpdx]

id recommend either a 5/8 or 6/8 that has been EXPERTLY honed.

the grind is something you'll learn to enjoy as you get past the steep learning curve.

 

[Ookla The Mok]

I would seriously consider hitting the BST and picking up a vintage blade from someone here. You should get out on the cheap and you know it will be sharp.

This would be a great starter!

 

[qdaddy]

Rupzazor.com did right by me for 60.00 strop and razor. As far as the tough beard goes, apply conditioner (the kind your wife or girlfriend uses) to your beard and rinse off right before you get out of the shower. Prep, Prep, Prep concerning a thick beard. Its not so much the razor but how you prepare your face prior to using whatever razor. My beard is like steel wool, toughest and most coarse I have ever seen and it just happens to reside on my face. Without proper prep I can barely shave with a straight.