New Razor Choice

[mmiller3475]

I am new to straight razors, and I've been trying to select a razor that is not only beginner friendly but also affordable. I've narrowed the razors down to one...a DOVO "best quality", 5/8" with a half hollow grind. All for $80 more or less. I would need to add a professional honing job to that purchase.

That particular razor seems hard to find here in the US. I've found it available from Ireland and Scotland, but with the exchange rate the purchase is not attractive.

So my question is....what alternatives to the DOVO should I consider ? Nothing seems to come close to the DOVO in terms of cost. I realize that I'll have to spend a bit more, but I'm not interested in emptying my bank account. It truly seems that you get what you pay for is very applicable for these razors.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[Up And Down]

http://www.royalshave.com/p/405-002/dovo_straight_bestquality_blond_halfhollow_58.html

Amazon has it through the same seller for $5 less as well. The best deal seems to be here, for $66 honed

http://thesuperiorshave.com/Dovo_Straights_Pages/Dovo_101581_BestQuality_Straight_Razor.html

Good luck

 

[natchez]

The deal above at $66 is a good one and these folks are good to deal with. The best blade is not fancy, but I have shaved with one, the Dovo special and an ebony and the shaves were equally good.

 

[mmiller3475]

http://www.royalshave.com/p/405-002/dovo_straight_bestquality_blond_halfhollow_58.html

Amazon has it through the same seller for $5 less as well. The best deal seems to be here, for $66 honed

http://thesuperiorshave.com/Dovo_Straights_Pages/Dovo_101581_BestQuality_Straight_Razor.html

Good luck

I spent 2 nights searching for this razor and completly missed these links! The superior shave site looks like a winner. Thank you for directing me there!

 

[Up And Down]

No problem. At $66 shave ready and from a reputable seller, you can't miss. Let us know how you like it.

 

[mmiller3475]

Just out of curiosity...what would be your recommendation if this razor was not available? There certainly doesn't seem to be any razor close to the DOVO, but I'm not familiar with other brands available.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Luc]

Just out of curiosity...what would be your recommendation if this razor was not available? There certainly doesn't seem to be any razor close to the DOVO, but I'm not familiar with other brands available.

Thanks again for the help!

It depends if you want to buy a new razor or vintage. You can get vintage razors for much cheaper than that and they can be shave ready. I would advise looking at BST.

Also, don't forget the strop to maintain the edge.

General rule of thumb, German, Sheffield (British), French steel are very safe. American steel too. (Vintage of course).

 

[mmiller3475]

No problem. At $66 shave ready and from a reputable seller, you can't miss. Let us know how you like it.

I took your advice and ordered the razor through Superior. I think it will be a while before I can screw up enough courage to actually try it, but it will happen sooner or later. Thanks for the good advice!

 

[Up And Down]

Glad to hear it. I just started with a straight as well, but it's a "cheater" model...the KAI Captain Excelia folding. My first shave was a nightmare but my 2nd, with a different blade, was much better. Best of luck and if you find some tricks to shaving under your nose please let me know.

 

[Wid]

Congrats, I just bought a vintage Case Red Imp wedge from Jarrod. Good place to do business with.

 

[mdunn]

if its value youre after, you cant beat our very own BST

 

[mmiller3475]

Glad to hear it. I just started with a straight as well, but it's a "cheater" model...the KAI Captain Excelia folding. My first shave was a nightmare but my 2nd, with a different blade, was much better. Best of luck and if you find some tricks to shaving under your nose please let me know.

I'm sure there is a steep learning curve ahead, and I will have to try baby steps before going for a complete shave. I don't think there's any shame about using my DE razor for most of the shave. It will be an experience!

For shaving under the nose, I've got that covered...with a mustache! Okay...that doesn't answer your question, but it is one solution.

 

[woodturner]

Think you'll find that the learning curve really isn't that steep. After about 2-3 months you should have it pretty well down if you don't use the DE as a constant crutch. Welcome to the addiction!

 

[danjared]

thesuperiorshave.com is a fine place to get a razor. The service is amazing, and the owner is a B&B member. Dovo's Best Quality is also a great razor. I miss mine, actually. Think of it this way. If you mess up and drop or otherwise badly damage your first straight, it's at least a production straight. If you do that to a vintage straight, you just lost a piece of history.

 

[mmiller3475]

Think you'll find that the learning curve really isn't that steep. After about 2-3 months you should have it pretty well down if you don't use the DE as a constant crutch. Welcome to the addiction!

Two months ago I wouldn't have even dreamed about going back to DE shaving let alone using a straight. I started by getting a brush and some shaving soap. I was amazed at the difference between my gel lather and the lather from the shaving soap. From there it was all downhill. My addiction seems to have a life of its own, and now I'm going to try the pinnacle. I hope your right about the learning curve!

 

[woodturner]

Try using both hands to shave, little to no pressure, and start with straight-aways like the side of the face or side burns area. Don't rely on your DE too much and you'll be fine. Most of all have fun, you've got years to practice!

 

[mmiller3475]

Try using both hands to shave, little to no pressure, and start with straight-aways like the side of the face or side burns area. Don't rely on your DE too much and you'll be fine. Most of all have fun, you've got years to practice!

I had not counted on using both hands. For some reason I thught I oculd get by with my dominant hand. So...I've been practicing just holding the razor in my left hand, and I'll admit that it feels odd. It will be a while before my confidence is at a point where I'll actually give it a try. I'm a senior citizen so I hope you're right about the years I have to practice!