REQ: Feedback on Choosing a Straight Razor?

[colstrom]

I'm looking at purchasing my first straight shortly, and am looking for feedback. I've been using a DE for some time (a Merkur Vision), and have been looking into a straight for some time. I'm... indecisive at the best of times, and am having a heck of a time settling on where to start.

I've read through The Interactive Guide to Straight Razor Shaving to get a basic hold on terminology and core knowledge, as well.

Noting that there are many choices beyond these two, these are the ones I currently have my eye(s) on:

• DOVO Straight Razor with Black Handle 5/8"
• Wapienica Straight Razor, Black Handle

Some of things I like about these:

• Pre-Sharpened
• Price (noting that I also need to invest in maintenance items)
• Generally positive comments regarding items from both companies.

This one also caught my eye, but is a bit more than I'd ideally like to spend (for now), and I'm not sure a square point is a good idea to "start" with.

DOVO Ebenholz Straight Razor, Square Point Plade 5/8"

Feedback, please! Are these good starting points? Are there known quality issues with either that I have overlooked when browsing here? I'm open to alternatives, as well.

 

[Legion]

They would both be good for you to start with, I don't think you would have an issue with either.

If I were to get one it would be the Wapi. In fact, if it wasn't in Canada, and the shipping would add about a MILLION dollars to the price, I might have looked at one myself.

Really. What is the deal with Canadian postage costs? I thought Australia was bad.

 

[Will P.C.]

I would look up Holli4pirating at SRP. He has some very nice vintage razors for inexpensive costs. He also hones one of the best edges in the shaving business.

 

[professorchaos]

The pre-sharpened Dovo is a good choice.

As for the spike point in Ebony, you have good taste. That razor is the second one I purchased . My sole concern about recommending it as a first razor is the spike point. They have a tendency to bite the careless or inattentive. Learning to shave with a straight is challenging enough. I'd start with the round point.

 

[Mink]

I'm also on the front edge of migrating from DE to straight. My $.02 is to stay with a round point when starting and get a paddle strop instead of hanging. I started with a new 5/8 Dovo Special, and it's fine, but don't feel hesitant about purchasing a razor from B&B members with a great reputation for helping out newbies.

 

[colstrom]

They would both be good for you to start with, I don't think you would have an issue with either.

If I were to get one it would be the Wapi. In fact, if it wasn't in Canada, and the shipping would add about a MILLION dollars to the price, I might have looked at one myself.

Really. What is the deal with Canadian postage costs? I thought Australia was bad.

Not sure about how the postage is justified, but I'm in agreement. Part of the reason I'm looking at Fendrihan is to buy from a Canadian vendor.

 

[colstrom]

I would look up Holli4pirating at SRP. He has some very nice vintage razors for inexpensive costs. He also hones one of the best edges in the shaving business.

At the moment, I'm looking at Fendrihan specifically. I've got a gift certificate for there (and I prefer to buy Canadian, when the option is there), and while I could use it on something else... why, when I'm in the market for a straight?

For future purchases though, I'll keep the other in mind. Thanks for the tip!

 

[colstrom]

The pre-sharpened Dovo is a good choice.

As for the spike point in Ebony, you have good taste. That razor is the second one I purchased . My sole concern about recommending it as a first razor is the spike point. They have a tendency to bite the careless or inattentive. Learning to shave with a straight is challenging enough. I'd start with the round point.

Always reassuring to see my concerns echoed... suggesting that perhaps they are valid ones.

The Ebenholz is a pretty thing, though. Might be something to look at once I'm have a bit of experience with something less... pointy.

 

[colstrom]

I'm also on the front edge of migrating from DE to straight. My $.02 is to stay with a round point when starting and get a paddle strop instead of hanging. I started with a new 5/8 Dovo Special, and it's fine, but don't feel hesitant about purchasing a razor from B&B members with a great reputation for helping out newbies.

Really? I haven't used either, so I have no point of reference here, but... what makes a paddle strop more practical than a hanging one (or the other way 'round, for that matter)?

 

[heirkb]

I would strongly recommend a vintage razor over a brand new one. For a few reasons.
1) They can be had for much cheaper. The 3 very expensive modern razors I had were either not impressive enough to justify the price or had finish problems (bad scales, etc.).
2) You have a choice of who hones it for you (and my experience has been that some guy's edges are better than others. PM me for details)

I think if I were to choose between your two blades, I'd take the Dovo just because I usually prefer hollower blades.

 

[DavyRay]

At the moment, I'm looking at Fendrihan specifically. I've got a gift certificate for there (and I prefer to buy Canadian, when the option is there), and while I could use it on something else... why, when I'm in the market for a straight?

For future purchases though, I'll keep the other in mind. Thanks for the tip!

I suggest a vintage razor, shave-ready. Larry Andro comes to mind. You may also find a truly shave-ready razor in the B/S/T. A used razor should not cost much in customs duty, either.

You will find plenty of uses for your gift certificate. Fendrihan has lots of shaving products besides straight razors.

 

[rockviper]

Dovo has the more recognizable name (well, duh! thanks professor ) but I've been more than happy with my wapi from Alfred (I got the tortoise handle one) as my first straight.

 

[Proinsias]

another vote for a vintage blade from someone with a good rep for honing, so that's another vote for Larry

 

[dakotaev]

Really. What is the deal with Canadian postage costs? I thought Australia was bad.

If you thought our postage costs were high, wait till you see our Cell phone plan prices....


Anyways on to the Original poster. I started off with a Dovo 5/8 Best Quality. It was a great razor, I've since moved on a bit higher end razors but I still shave with the BQ once in awhile. I'm sure either Dovo or Wapi will be a nice razor. From what I've seen. The Fendrihan "Pre-sharpened" Razors are honed by B&B/SRP Member Floppyshoes in Montreal. He honed my BQ and does a good job.

I've also purchased from Fendrihan before and they are a top notch vendor.

My second razor was from Larry at Whippeddog.com. Again hes a top notch fellow but Canada customs seems to hold onto EVERYTHING for at least a week so be prepared to wait a bit longer when ordering something outside of Canada (For me its usually 2 - 2.5 weeks).

Another good Canadian vendor to check out is Rasagepulin in Calgary. He is also top notch but only carries TI razors which on average are quite a bit more $.

Reading back this stuff I'm realizing it seems I've been around the Canadian straight shaving block a few times lol for my short time on the scene.

 

[honed]

I think the wapi is the best choice.
Because;

• Round point
• Stiffer grind - often easier when you learn, a bit more forgiving for bad technique.

However, the DOVO is no bad choice either.

 

[colstrom]

I would strongly recommend a vintage razor over a brand new one. For a few reasons.
1) They can be had for much cheaper. The 3 very expensive modern razors I had were either not impressive enough to justify the price or had finish problems (bad scales, etc.).
2) You have a choice of who hones it for you (and my experience has been that some guy's edges are better than others. PM me for details)

I think if I were to choose between your two blades, I'd take the Dovo just because I usually prefer hollower blades.

I suggest a vintage razor, shave-ready. Larry Andro comes to mind. You may also find a truly shave-ready razor in the B/S/T. A used razor should not cost much in customs duty, either.

You will find plenty of uses for your gift certificate. Fendrihan has lots of shaving products besides straight razors.

another vote for a vintage blade from someone with a good rep for honing, so that's another vote for Larry

Skimming over the B/S/T list, I'm not seeing much difference in price between things there and the ones I linked... I'm sure there are some fabulous deals, having read of such finds in other threads. If I've overlooked something, would you mind pointing me in the right direction?

 

[colstrom]

If you thought our postage costs were high, wait till you see our Cell phone plan prices....


Anyways on to the Original poster. I started off with a Dovo 5/8 Best Quality. It was a great razor, I've since moved on a bit higher end razors but I still shave with the BQ once in awhile. I'm sure either Dovo or Wapi will be a nice razor. From what I've seen. The Fendrihan "Pre-sharpened" Razors are honed by B&B/SRP Member Floppyshoes in Montreal. He honed my BQ and does a good job.

I've also purchased from Fendrihan before and they are a top notch vendor.

My second razor was from Larry at Whippeddog.com. Again hes a top notch fellow but Canada customs seems to hold onto EVERYTHING for at least a week so be prepared to wait a bit longer when ordering something outside of Canada (For me its usually 2 - 2.5 weeks).

Another good Canadian vendor to check out is Rasagepulin in Calgary. He is also top notch but only carries TI razors which on average are quite a bit more $.

Reading back this stuff I'm realizing it seems I've been around the Canadian straight shaving block a few times lol for my short time on the scene.

I had looked at Rasage Poulin as well, and the TI straights do have a solid reputation... they're a bit more than I'd like to spend (for now). I'm not so much... shy about the price, but more compelled to understand why I'm buying a given product.

That was why price was part of the attraction to the two I linked. I fully expect to purchase a second eventually, once I understand (from experience) the traits I like and dislike about the one I get. My understanding is that the ideal straight for anyone is largely subjective, a notion that this thread seems to support.

 

[colstrom]

Dovo has the more recognizable name (well, duh! thanks professor ) but I've been more than happy with my wapi from Alfred (I got the tortoise handle one) as my first straight.

I think the wapi is the best choice.
Because;

• Round point
• Stiffer grind - often easier when you learn, a bit more forgiving for bad technique.

However, the DOVO is no bad choice either.

I've been leaning towards the Wapi as well. I wasn't aware that the stiffer grind would be more forgiving, but that's certainly a plus. I do have a somewhat stiffer beard than some, and had read that wedge-ier grinds had a bit of an advantage in this regard (at least, that's how I interpreted the Interactive Guide, if I misunderstood, please let me know).

 

[Mink]

I have a hanging strop that I won't use again for a while. There is a feel to stropping that comes with time, but you will need to strop well right away. When you use a hanging strop, you pull on the unattached end to keep it level. It can still rock side to side, and your tightness will change as you focus on the blade moving across the strop. You can easily lift the spine and do other things to the blade that are not good. The paddle doesn't need to be pulled, can't rock side to side, and just removes more variables. It's just easier.

 

[colstrom]

I have a hanging strop that I won't use again for a while. There is a feel to stropping that comes with time, but you will need to strop well right away. When you use a hanging strop, you pull on the unattached end to keep it level. It can still rock side to side, and your tightness will change as you focus on the blade moving across the strop. You can easily lift the spine and do other things to the blade that are not good. The paddle doesn't need to be pulled, can't rock side to side, and just removes more variables. It's just easier.

That makes... a lot of sense. Much like how starting out with a professionally-honed blade is a good idea, since you can then attribute any trouble in the early-learning phase to technique alone, rather than a potentially bad honing.

Thanks for the tip, I'll take the advice and go for a paddle strop.