What razor to buy?

[Piano Black]

I'm new to the world of straight razors, and I have been learning on a restored razor I bought from Larry Andro. I have really been enjoying the whole experience, and have decided that it is time to invest in a brand new razor. After looking at some of the reviews on B&B, I feel like my heart is set on the 5/8 Dovo Special Tortoise. It seems to have a very positive reputation, and I REALLY like the looks of it. Does anyone else have first hand experience with this razor that they wouldn't mind sharing with me? Also, does anyone have any other suggestions of a similary priced razor that they think might be better or at least worth considering as well? I am trying to stick to the $100-$120 range. Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Bruce]

Piano,

I have this razor in 6/8 only because I prefer a bigger blade. I really like it for its appearance, shavability, and how it fits my hand. My opinion is that you can't go wrong with that razor.

good luck, good shaving.

 

[Piano Black]

Piano,

I have this razor in 6/8 only because I prefer a bigger blade. I really like it for its appearance, shavability, and how it fits my hand. My opinion is that you can't go wrong with that razor.

good luck, good shaving.

Appreciate the response! With all of the good things I have been hearing I really don't see myself going in a different direction.

Cheers!

 

[Moe]

I also have the 6/8 Dovo Special and it's my favorite so far—well balanced, with a close, comfortable shave.

 

[Piano Black]

Thanks for the input Moe! Is there anyone else out there though that would suggest something different, or even point me in a completely different direction? The more input the better

 

[RetroGrouch]

Hi Piano,

If you keep asking for other options, eventually other members with chime in with conflicting opinions. And then you'll start to doubt your decision... and you'll start considering other options, looking for the "absolute right answer"... and you'll spend countless hours/days/weeks agonizing over it.

Here's the big secret: There is no absolute right answer.

You've made a good choice, backed up by other members. Why not just go with it and be happy?

Signed,

The guy who never takes his own advice,

Mike

 

[Piano Black]

Hi Piano,

If you keep asking for other options, eventually other members with chime in with conflicting opinions. And then you'll start to doubt your decision... and you'll start considering other options, looking for the "absolute right answer"... and you'll spend countless hours/days/weeks agonizing over it.

Here's the big secret: There is no absolute right answer.

You've made a good choice, backed up by other members. Why not just go with it and be happy?

Signed,

The guy who never takes his own advice,

Mike

You are probably right Mike! Easy decisions are generally a good thing, but sometimes I think about it like this.... An easy decision means you don't have many good options! I kinda like the relentless debating

 

[Will P.C.]

You can get a really nice vintage for 120 dollars. Keep your eyes open

 

[Magruder]

Just to try to reinforce the decision for the Dovo Special in tortoiseshell:

This was my first straight razor (almost three years ago) and I've been very happy with it. I have several other good razors in rotation and the Dovo has always been a favorite.

And, as I just said, I've acquired more razors, and 'more razors' doesn't have to mean 'lots of $$$'. Razor number 2 was a re-scaled Wapienica from the B/S/T at straightrazorplace for $35, for example. SRAD (straight razor acquisition disorder) is very common and makes the 'which razor' decision less critical.

 

[Piano Black]

Just to try to reinforce the decision for the Dovo Special in tortoiseshell:

This was my first straight razor (almost three years ago) and I've been very happy with it. I have several other good razors in rotation and the Dovo has always been a favorite.

And, as I just said, I've acquired more razors, and 'more razors' doesn't have to mean 'lots of $$$'. Razor number 2 was a re-scaled Wapienica from the B/S/T at straightrazorplace for $35, for example. SRAD (straight razor acquisition disorder) is very common and makes the 'which razor' decision less critical.

Well you definitely reinforced my decision! How can I not listen to a fellow Kansan?! I'm going to go ahead and buy the Dovo Special! Also I think I'm going to order a Trey Dampier strop that was highly recommended to me! Thanks for the help!