Which straight razor?
- Thread starter Andrea90
- Start date
If this will be your first time shaving with a straight razor might I suggest Whipped Dog.
+1 for whipped dog excellent value kit
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
The DOG is your man.
Yes, get a razor from Whipped Dog.
Or B/S/T. Point is, many people like the idea, then decide it isnt for them. That's ok, but then you're out a bunch of cash, and there's always the question if the edge you have is truly shave ready (many factories don't put on reliable edges). Going one these likely cheaper routes gets you going for less startup and more confidence.
I am also starting out and struggling between getting a Dovo or a Boker. Today, I am leaning towards the Dovo... Later today, who knows? From what I can gather, either brand will treat you well. I will be getting one or the other at some point but, I will tell you, what I ended up doing in the mean time is going with Whipped Dog. Since it comes so highly recommended here, and it is so inexpensive to get all that you need, it really seemed like the right thing to do. It seems important to have a starter set up. I haven't received by set up yet (ordered it last night) but I am confident it's all going to work just fine.
My theory is a bit different but based on MY personality. I hate to buy twice because I went low ball the first time. Get a very high quality straight that is honed by an expert that you know will do an excellent job. When you are new at this you don't need the razor holding you back from success. If you don't mind spending a few bucks to get top shelf quality I would recommend Hart. Fantastic razor that will arrive shave ready. Then if you do quit straight shaving it will be easy to sell for very near what you paid. Like I said, I know this puts me in the minority, but I can still hear my dads voice, "If it's worth doing it's worth doing right."
brianskeet has a good point about more expensive razors holding value so you are not much out of pocket if you resell this is a good alternative point of view to others but i would say this proberly doesnt apply to strops which you may very well make a bit of a mess of. i nicked mine quite a bit quite quick and would be crying if it cost me £100 but at the price i paid for two whipped dog strops i can chalk it up to practise. the same with the razor its so cheap when i buy more expensive kit will be a nice spare or ill give it to my brother or son or something
Dovo roundpoint
Brianskeet, I do agree with you as I had that happen when I began DE shaving. Bought a crappy setup to see if I liked it, loved it, replaced everything, and wished I went right for the good stuff. The difference, to me, this time around has more to do with learning upkeep though. I was about to buy a midrange Dovo or Boker as my first but I decided I would rather learn on something I don't really have to care about but still shaves decently. I do want to learn to hone and strop correctly but not be worried about wrecking my nice razor or strop. Besides, I spent $50 bucks.
Slash McCoy
I freehand dog rockets
The vintage razor will hold its value better than a new one. A $21 whipped dog can be resold for nearly what you paid for it. If it is honed prior to offering it for sale, you might even get more than what you paid for it. A new razor is gonna lose $20 in resale value as soon as you open the box.
If you decide new, make sure you buy from a vender that sells shaver ready. Most factory set edges are lacking. I'd highly suggest www.thesuperiorshave.com for new production.
I'd add, it might not be a bad idea to buy a cheaper starter kit as an "insurance" play to keep your "prize" razor nice while learning. You can always benefit from a back up blade.
if I was buying a new razor I would buy a Thiers Issard.
Whipped dog razors are sent out without being totally restored, just shave worthy, to keep prices low. If you can polish it up and possibly rescale, you may get MORE than double out of it, depending on brand and quality.
Personal preference or legit quality difference?
- Thread starter
- #18
Get a Dovo Best Quality. That's a decent razor for a reasonable prize.
- Thread starter
- #20
Stainless steel or carbon?
