The Dark Side is calling upon me

[Panter]

Well, it has actually been calling me as long as I can remember.
It is however about a year ago that I started DE shaving (coming from cartridges) and during my acquisitions noticed that Straight Razors and related services are more readily available then I expected.

So there's no reason for me to ignore my vocation any longer.

I'm expecting to buy my first razor around Christmas this year and would like your input on my shortlist.
I'm still fooling myself that this would be and stay my first and only straight razor to be at least my weekend shaver (if not my daily shaver).

Behold the shortlist: http://www.koordenwinkel.eu/shaving/cart.php?mode=friend_wl&wlid=036e3491ba499df64611c82b6bcdd37d
Please notice the "Details" links on the list.

Reasons I would opt for the DOVO is the stainless steel, holding is sharpness longer, but more importantly not prone to rust so I can leave it in the bathroom and not be worried if the razor would receive less attention at some point.
The TI has caught my attention for it's good looks and finish and labeled as "singing razor".

Any input to help me make the right investment or any tips & tricks are highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[professorchaos]

Good for you!

They are both handsome razors, I don't think you will regret either of them. My experience has been that stainless will stain/rust, just not as easily as high carbon. In particular, I find TI's silver steel to stain very easily, very quickly. Personally, I prefer TIs over Dovos though I'd be hard pressed to explain why.

There is some debate as to which metal takes the better edge, stainless or HCS. While they do feel different, either will make superb shavers. HCS is a little easier to hone than stainless, but that only truly matters when you are learning to hone.

Come on in, the water is fine.

 

[gugi]

Either will be fine razor. I agree with Henry on everything.
You'll have to decide what's more important to you.

 

[Amyn]

I personally prefer TI over DOVO simply because TI's shave much better in IMO. Yes there are certain advantages to stainless but if you are really interested in a stainless blade my suggestion would be to go for Henckel Friodurs.
.. and one more thing... this is the enlightened side not the dark side...

 

[radaddict]

Hmmmm... I thought I felt a disturbance in the Force. I don't have any TIs (yet), so I can't comment on those. However, I do have a few Dovos, one of which is the Ebony INOX. It shaves very well (not quite as comfortable on the face as carbon, but that's just a personal preference). Unfortunately, the blade is a bit warped and I need to do a rolling X pattern on the hone when it needs it - which is simple enough if a bit annoying.

When I first purchased this model, I sent the first one back to the vendor because it was warped. Although the vendor said he checked on the replacement, it too is a bit warped. I really didn't care to go another round of returns and replacements, so I just kept it. Hopefully this is the exception to the rule and most, if not all other Ebony INOX Dovos are fine.

Good luck and welcome to the... er... ah.... "un"darkside.

 

[Kees]

I would advise a first time buyer not to buy a very expensive razor. Actually I would recommend to buy a vintage razor. You can find good one in the B/S/T forum here or the classifieds at straight razor place for half the $$.

Why? Most of us prefer the quality of vintage razors. 2nd: if you find straight shaving isn't for you you can sell a vintage at almost the same price again.

Dovos are generally easier to hone, so if you intend to hone your own I would opt for the Dove. 3rd: Dovos are cheaper so you stand to lose less in case straight shaving isn't for you.

Even new razors have to be honed, so you have to add the honing fee to the cost of the razor.

 

[Doc4]

Urgent correction: we are the GOOD GUYS! The "dark side" uses that disposable cr@p ... DE blades, Mach II, Atra, Quattro, it's all the same.


... oh, and consider Kees' advice about a cheap vintage razor. Other than that, look at the Grelots sold by Martin at Rasurpur.

 

[Panter]

Urgent correction: we are the GOOD GUYS! The "dark side" uses that disposable cr@p ... DE blades, Mach II, Atra, Quattro, it's all the same.


... oh, and consider Kees' advice about a cheap vintage razor. Other than that, look at the Grelots sold by Martin at Rasurpur.

DE Blades being weapons of the bad guys is new to me ... but hey, learning everyday here.

 

[cityjim]

Especially when you get a closer shave with a fresh DE blade . Compared to an edge that's used over and over on a straight , there is none .

I shave both ways . Straights are cool . My Slim with an Atra Superior blade works great for me .


cityjim

 

[mdunn]

also remember that stainless steel is not stainproof steel. I still wouldnt leave it in the bathroom and would be very careful to dry it off after each shave

 

[brothers]

Of course it's all in fun. But . . .there's no point to bashing DE razors and blades, and by inference, those who use them. I thoroughly enjoy both means of shaving. We can do both. We don't have to take sides, or give the appearance we're divided against one another. Furthermore, I understand that there are some folks around who still use cartridges, and if it makes them happy, and they enjoy it, then that is a good thing. To each his own.

Stainless is more difficult to hone, even though it does rust and it does seem to hold a keen edge longer.

Best regards,

 

[brothers]

Well, it has actually been calling me as long as I can remember.
It is however about a year ago that I started DE shaving (coming from cartridges) and during my acquisitions noticed that Straight Razors and related services are more readily available then I expected.

So there's no reason for me to ignore my vocation any longer.

I'm expecting to buy my first razor around Christmas this year and would like your input on my shortlist.
I'm still fooling myself that this would be and stay my first and only straight razor to be at least my weekend shaver (if not my daily shaver).

Behold the shortlist: http://www.koordenwinkel.eu/shaving/cart.php?mode=friend_wl&wlid=036e3491ba499df64611c82b6bcdd37d
Please notice the "Details" links on the list.

Reasons I would opt for the DOVO is the stainless steel, holding is sharpness longer, but more importantly not prone to rust so I can leave it in the bathroom and not be worried if the razor would receive less attention at some point.
The TI has caught my attention for it's good looks and finish and labeled as "singing razor".

Any input to help me make the right investment or any tips & tricks are highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Good luck in your pursuit of straight razor shaving. There are a great many excellent razors around, both vintage and new, and even customs, depending on your price range. It has a learning curve, and does require the expenditure of much time and expense, and because of that, to be successful at it, you've got to have some degree of committment, maybe even passion, to be able to make the transition successfully.