Newcomer seeking some information.

[Mark P]

Hello,

My name is Mark and this is my first post on this forum.

I am going to enter the world of straight razor shaving shortly. From surfing the posts I realize that there are many choices in straight razors, both classic and new. After some research on the matter I have decided on a 5/8 blade in Carbon Steel, either a Thiers-Issard or a Dovo. I would like something with a nice handle, not plastic. I would like it to be shave ready and not in need of honing. I can strop.

So I'd like to ask some question and get some feedback.

Which models are you using, why did you choose it, and do you like it?
What do you dislike about it?
What would you upgrade to and why?
Which reputable vendors here do you recommend?

I am also going to get a good boar bristle brush, and strop, so if you can recommend any I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Mark

 

[rockviper]

Welcome to B&B, Mark!

Many will recommend a sight-unseen deal from Whipped Dog as a great way to enter the straight shaving world. They're not always the prettiest but they'll shave you just as good as a much more expensive blade. You can pick up a kit as well that includes a strop and such and still be well ahead of the curve dollar-wise compared to a new out-of-the-box non-shave-ready straight from Dob\vo or TI (even if the descriptions say "shave ready").

Once you determine that you like straight shaving (and you will! ), then you can splurge on the new blade, strop and all kinds of synthetic and natural stones if you are so inclined. The BST is also a great place to pick up some nice kit from fellow members.

 

[wherndon]

welcome aboard!
I agree with rockviper on the Whipped Dog advice.
But having said that, I would prefer the TI over the Dovo.
regards,
Bil

 

[Firewalker]

welcome aboard!
I agree with rockviper on the Whipped Dog advice.
But having said that, I would prefer the TI over the Dovo.
regards,
Bil

+1, you have all the time in the world to buy the new razor, learn on one that you will likely have to bring back, re hone, round off etc.

 

[Mark P]

Thanks for all the honest replies guys,...what is "Whipped Dog" and "BST"?

Are they vendors here on the forum, or outside businesses?

 

[Firewalker]

Thanks for all the honest replies guys,...what is "Whipped Dog" and "BST"?

Are they vendors here on the forum, or outside businesses?

BST is the Buy Sell Trade part of the Marketplace.

Whippeddog is a web site where you can but very cheap but fully shave ready razors plus strop kits that work well but won't break the bank. You will cut a strop or two learning muscle memory so get the two strop kit.

Larry owns Whippeddog and is a member here as well, so both...

 

[Seraphim]

Don't forget the often overlooked Hobbyist Classifieds as well here at B&B:


http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/143-Hobbyist-Vendor-Classifieds

 

[ridnovir]

Welcome,

I can only speak for myself. My first was Dovo 5/8 round point full hollow silver steel and ebony scales for about $100. Great razor to start with IMO (if you want something nicer than wipped dog). Most likely you will need to hone it or send it to someone to do it. If you persevere and stick to straights you will soon get another one.

 

[Mark P]

I surfed Larry's site and sent him an e-mail. Hopefully he will get back to me soon.
One other question, I shave my head. Do you know of anyone who shaves their head with a straight razor?

 

[cpcohen1945]

My first razor was a Wade and Butcher (vintage). I learned to hone, and to shave, at the same time. Don't do that!

My second razor was a Dovo "Best Quality" (bottom-of-the-line) from Straight Razor Designs (a substantial online dealer, whose head runs "StraightRazorPlace.Com" . It arrived "shave-ready" and was (and is) a fine blade. Not decorated, and the scales are plastic.

WhippedDog.com will be a good bet, as well.

. Charles

 

[wherndon]

I surfed Larry's site and sent him an e-mail. Hopefully he will get back to me soon.
One other question, I shave my head. Do you know of anyone who shaves their head with a straight razor?

Several people here shave their heads.

 

[Seraphim]

I surfed Larry's site and sent him an e-mail. Hopefully he will get back to me soon.
One other question, I shave my head. Do you know of anyone who shaves their head with a straight razor?

You can do it, but it is pretty time consuming to get BBS on the dome with a straight without getting nicks.

 

[Firewalker]

I surfed Larry's site and sent him an e-mail. Hopefully he will get back to me soon.
One other question, I shave my head. Do you know of anyone who shaves their head with a straight razor?

Only as much as I am comfortable with. So far, I am doing the parts I can see and a little in the back but am expanding little by little. No big cuts but I have a few spots that always give me problems no matter what I use.

 

[gash]

+5,000 on Whipped Dog. That's how I started, and I'm happy about it. They're not always the prettiest razors, but they have the one ingredient that you must have with straights: sharpness.

To answer your other questions:

Which models are you using, why did you choose it, and do you like it? What do you dislike about it?

I use a kamisori (traditional Japanese straight razor) exclusively. I chose it after using Western straights. It seemed like the pinnacle of the shaving experience, and for me, it is. I find it to be sharper than any of my Western straights. The only major downside I've found is that its lack of forgiveness can be tiresome, occasionally. If I make even a tiny mistake with it, there will be blood without warning. With Western straights, you sometimes get a chance to avoid blood.

What would you upgrade to and why? Which reputable vendors here do you recommend?

I don't know that there's much upgrading from here. I could spend more money on a razor, but I don't think the shave would improve much. I'd rather refine the edge of this razor. As for vendors - once you want a special straight (of any kind), you'll probably find it in the hands of a private seller, rather than a vendor.

 

[Wingnut]

Hi Mark, welcome to B&B!

You found the right place to ask your questions--the guys here are experts, and you can take everything they say to the bank! When you get the time, head over to the Shave Clinic and Newbie Check-In forum and say hi.

Also, when you get a chance, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to new folks--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.

Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!