Thread: Out Of Stock

I have been looking at different straights on different sites and am seeing a pattern. There are many more out of stock models then available ones. I am getting ready to order my first straight and am beginning to think that my selection will be more one of availability more so then anything else. This leads me to wonder just how important the model is on a first razor. Staying with Boker, Dovo or other leading brands and staying with the 5/8 blade in the $150-200 range does the actual model matter all that much

I'd say that the biggest difference between the different models(from the same manufacturer of course) are size, grind, scale material and bling(gold wash, spine work, things like that.)

I can't back this up with personal experience though since almost all of mine are vintage

Originally Posted by Flatire67

I have been looking at different straights on different sites and am seeing a pattern. There are many more out of stock models then available ones. I am getting ready to order my first straight and am beginning to think that my selection will be more one of availability more so then anything else. This leads me to wonder just how important the model is on a first razor. Staying with Boker, Dovo or other leading brands and staying with the 5/8 blade in the $150-200 range does the actual model matter all that much

Yes it does and depending upon to whom you speak will determine what you hear as far as what you should buy and why. I have a Dovo (had a couple once upon a time); it's alright. I have 3 Bokers. Why?? All of these most subjective reasons:

Better fit and finish
Holds an edge better
Seem to be a more "hollow" grind than a comparable Dovo. I like that
Easier to hone..but not by a whole lot.

Now, two of my Bokers (Edelweiss and Tree Brand) have the exact same blade (5/8). Scales are worlds apart. Both are great razors but the Tree Brand (Micarta) feels just a tad better in my hand than does the Edelweiss (bone scales). Hence to "me" the Tree Brand is the victor of the two. Also..these are the only 5/8 razors I own, but I won't part with either I don't think. I also have two Ralf Austs (in 6/8) and those are even better in my books than either Dovo or Boker. I'm sure the blade is a good one, as my other Austs are, but the black plastic scales would not work for me..too plain and/or lightweight for my tastes. It will all boil down to what you like and feel most comfortable with. You'll most probably pick up a few more along the way anyhow, so no worries!!

I agree, every site I visit has more out of stocks than in stocks on the models I like. Which razor are you considering for your first SR?

Flatire,

For current production razors, you have a choice of Dovo, Thiers-Issard, Boker, Wacker and Ralf Aust, among a couple others. I suggest starting with a 5/8 Ralf Aust, a fine razor at a reasonable cost. New production models and brands are scarce these days, because production backlog seems long for all brands. Also, you might want to try a quality vintage in the classified section here.

Ditto what Obie said, I was also going to the suggest the classifieds here, they never seem to be out of stock.

Would like the Boker Silver Steel or Edelweiss but finding one is proving difficult so was thinking about the Dovo Pearlex

Originally Posted by Flatire67

does the actual model matter all that much

There are differences between them. But if you have never used one, you won't have a point of reference to compare them to. It comes down to preference. And while an argument can be made for one razor over another as a beginner razor, there really are no beginner razors. There is one other brand that I am partial to - Revisor. But be warned that Revisors are a little more cumbersome to order as their website is not set up for immediate purchase. You would have to email them and ask for an invoice. Then payment is made via PayPal and sent to you. The razor will not come shave ready either. So you would need to make arrangements for that. BUT, there are many different options to choose from by Revisor and stocks are generous. With the exception of Ralf Aust (because I do not own one and can't speak to them), Revisor is my preferred brand for new razors. That's a personal opinion but you may like the generous selection they offer.

Flatire,

The Dovo "Perlex" is a handsome razor, and honed properly, it will give you a fine shave. Good choice.

for a similar or less price there are some nice shave ready blades in the classified here for sure