Thread: Need backup

I am looking to purchase two shave ready 6/8 straights from some reputable folks here on SRP, vendors included of course. Any names I should be on the lookout for that are good, because I am too new to know.

I imagine that I should be thrilled as a rookie to have a full-hollowed TI 5/8 but let's face it I am a rookie and after spending more time reading here the full-hollowed 5/8 TI may be too much razor at this time.

So, I need some backup straights and any advice will be GREATLY appreciated!

Welcome to SRP. There is nothing wrong with starting out with a 5/8 TI full hollow .... if it is shave ready. If it is not you should send it out and have it professionally honed. For a back up or two I would recommend a new Dove from SRD, Vintage or Classic. SRD is offering free honing for the original owner for as long as they have the razor. That offer is good until the end of this month.

I've never noticed full hollows being any more difficult than any of my other razors, and 5/8" seems to be the easiest blade depth for me to handle, but many recommend you start with at least two razors just to compare edges so you can tell if the one you use is sharp. Others suggest a DE blade for that... which is a cheaper alternative. As for which classifieds sellers are most trustworthy, I can't help you there. I'm unaware of a reputation system in place here other than word of mouth. I'd imagine your surest bet would be to get one from someone who does a lot of business here, such as one of the honing service guys. Most sellers take paypal, and paypals policy is basically that the buyer is always right, and the seller can go to hell, so I'd imagine you won't have much risk of getting ripped off. Worst case you get a "shave ready" that is less so than you would hope.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

For a back up or two I would recommend a new Dove from SRD, Vintage or Classic.

Thanks! Is there a particular 6/8 you'd recommend?

Welcome to SRP.

There are, in my opinion, three things to consider:

1. What makes a good starter razor? See Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki for a possible answer. 6/8 is a good choice, but you might want to get a 5/8 and a 6/8 to find out which size you prefer.
2. Where to source the razors, and what to look for? Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki should have a few pointers, especially with respect to the Classifieds.
3. Our list of good and - in our opinion - bad razors.

At the time of writing, and because of the free liftetime honing option, I would get a 5/8 and 6/8 Dovo "Best Quality" each. If you do not need the honing, get something from the classifieds, preferably a stiffer grind and a hollow one. There are quite a few nice ones up for sale at the moment. Just take a bit of time browsing the site to find out if the seller actually knows what he is doing.

Happy hunting, and keep us updated.

Regards,
Robin

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I am browsing SRD as I type. Had a fantastic shave this morning with the 5/8 TI. The two steps forward in shave quality was better stropping that equaled a sharper blade.

The one step back was I nicked my strop. My thoughts went something like, "Oh man I am getting the hang of this, there's no shrill ring, good razor contact, nice rhythmic passes, this shave is going to be the best in the universe...(wife walks into the bathroom)...*ping*...(razor catches)......what are you doing Farris!"

Anyway, to all who posted on this humble thread thanks for the referrals and direction.