Thread: Beginner purchase (suggestions and criticism needed):

That's true. In fact, I find everything easier with the 6/8 blade. Not that the 5/8 was difficult, but 6/8 is easier.

Excitement and razors don't go happily together ;-)

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions and information, very much appriciated.

@Headcrowny
That is a very beautifull blade right there. The shoulderless design somehow suits that perfect. It gives rustic look to it, same time kind of a scandinavian "No bullshit" feeling. A razor I could consider buying.
How is that store otherwise, trustworthy and all that? I hope I do not offend anyone, nor do I want to sound terribly prejudice but the The Superior Shave sites are rather crude and that does not increase my trust towards the company. Of course if the community of SRP vouches for the shop, then by all means I can make purchases from there.

Originally Posted by str8fencer

Think that is a good list. MWF can be a little tricky, but I'm sure you will be happy with it after you explore it a little. The strop is great. The only thing I'd add is that a badger brush is harder to use with MWF than with softer soaps or creams. Perhaps look at something like the semogue 1305 or, if you want to go straight to the top of the shelf, a semogue owners club. They are both bristle brushes, and perhaps better suited for MWF. They do soften up very nicely after seeing some use, and I find myself using a bristle brush more often than a badger. I just like hard soaps I guess.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the idea, I did indeed read that bristle could suit that soap better but it was easier for me as a beginner to choose a badger brush I had some clue about as I am absollutelly clueless of the bristle brushes. Thank you for the suggestion. I realize that MWF can be slightly trickier to use, but I am willing to take the challenge.

Have you considered a vintage blade? I've tried several Dovos (5/8 and otherwise) and I still prefer my Heljestrands or a Le Grelot over a modern razor any day.

Originally Posted by ChopperStyle

Have you considered a vintage blade? I've tried several Dovos (5/8 and otherwise) and I still prefer my Heljestrands or a Le Grelot over a modern razor any day.

The problem with vintage blade is that with a minimal knowledge of the area, it is very hard to judge the conditions, how much would it cost to restore and so on. I think it is good idea to tip my toes to the water first with a new professionally sharpened straight razor than to try my luck in the deep end, and drown. :P

That is true. Good luck my friend. It won't take you long to learn what to look for and in the mean time you'll have a nice dovo to use.

Here is a link to Shaving 101 with and explanation on strop's and strop materials. hope this will be helpful

Types of Razor Strops

One thing I was wondering; are the brand marks in the new dovos shanks/tangs etched or stamped in?

Edit: Never mind, I found my ansver. "There's a Dovo lasering at the tang's 'show' side and "Solingen Germany" on the rear...no laser etching on the spine this time 'round as some of the lucky owners of the first run complained they'd worn it off during normal honing."

I do for some reason love the Böker razor's stamped brand marks.

Originally Posted by Ymir

One thing I was wondering; are the brand marks in the new dovos shanks/tangs etched or stamped in?

Edit: Never mind, I found my ansver. "There's a Dovo lasering at the tang's 'show' side and "Solingen Germany" on the rear...no laser etching on the spine this time 'round as some of the lucky owners of the first run complained they'd worn it off during normal honing."

I do for some reason love the Böker razor's stamped brand marks.

If they tickle your fancy, then perhaps that's how you should jump. Aesthetics are a personal choice and if you know you want a stamp, then you won't be happy unless you have it.

Hi Ymir,

Has anyone suggested that you may want/need to have a second straight razor on hand and why?

With your budget, this option is still on the table. You're wants list could be massaged slightly to accomplish this end.

Kind Regards,
Siguy