Thread: Ready to purchase a SR set from SRD. Need some advice

Can you replace parts on that strop or is that an option only available for the better strops?

Also when dealing with the cheaper models such as the Dovo Blond and the Imitation Tortoise Shell are the differences purely cosmetic?

I see the Tortoise one has some gold on it as well.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

All I can say is, I would not invest heavily into a top line model as a starter razor.

Why is that? I can see the strop argument, but I don't understand it in regards to the razor. Is it because you won't really know what you want yet? I can't see how using a top quality razor wouldn't help you learn just as well. or maybe better than, one of the low end models.

I'm not trying to say you're wrong. I'm just trying to understand another point of view

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Why is that? I can see the strop argument, but I don't understand it in regards to the razor. Is it because you won't really know what you want yet? I can't see how using a top quality razor wouldn't help you learn just as well. or maybe better than, one of the low end models.

I'm not trying to say you're wrong. I'm just trying to understand another point of view

Obviously, I can't speak for Robin, or anyone else. However, the reason that I offer the same advice to guys is because of a couple of factors.

1) Like you mentioned, you don't really know what you like/prefer when you start out.

2) When you start out, you don't even know if you'll want to keep using a straight razor, so keeping your initial expenditures to a minimum seems more practical.

3) With a product like DOVO, you're not going to get more for your money, strictly in terms of performance IMHO, as you get into more expensive options.

I hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Why is that? I can see the strop argument, but I don't understand it in regards to the razor.

"Resist the urge to buy a fancy model. Experience has shown that almost any beginner will dull it while stropping, damage the edge when hitting a tap, or simply drop the razor." Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki

There is a reason why we advise beginners to take a close look at the beginners' guide.

That said, I wouldn't worry too much about the difference between a 6/8 and a 5/8. They are similar in handling. Personally, I would go for the bigger blade, but it wouldn't really affect the shave. And the (admittedly less than breathtaking) scales on the Best Quality could be replaced with custom scales at a later stage.

Welcome aboard mate! When I first started I got a couple of Dovo's in 5/8 Best Quality and Blackstar. I wanted to do my own honing so I got couple pre-owned razors from classifieds. I use the Dovo as benchmark for honing.

Check the classifieds. There's bound to be $30-$40 razor there in good condition that should suffice and give you ample time to decide whether SR shaving is for you. Compared to ebay, you've the piece of mind you are less likely to get screwed over and add to that the razor is generally shave ready. The members are trusted and have established themselves in the community. You can't beat that mate.

My suggestion is don't go overboard with regards to razors. I can't tell you what size to use because contours of your face is different from mine, I will tell you though that I've a 6/8 and it's little tricky for me to maneuver with on my face. This is subjective everyone's different. I can shave with any razor or Japanese with ease but anything in the 6/8 or larger is quite a feat.

With strops I went with 3" Latigo. Generally it is preferred among new straight razor ( SR ) users. You needn't worry about the X-stroke like you would on 2 or 2.5 strop.

My mistake was I didn't get a practice strop along with the Latigo. I simulated stropping/honing with butterknife over newspaper or book. Nevertheless, the experience of stropping on practice is better. Ruprazor sells practice strop. Check him out. Best of luck

Can I assume the Razor will be shave ready?

yes you can and should.

Thanks! I'm very excited.