Thread: SRD: Dovo Best Quality Black 5/8" Straight Razor Set

Just purchased my first Straight Razor from Straight Razor Designs. Pretty excited, anxious and nervous at the same time. I want to be sure to take my time using the suggestions from the Beginner's Guide and other posts I have read here. I don't know why I decided to go Straight Razor. But I am sure I will be glad I did. I'll be using this thread to post my opinions about my journey here. Let me know if there is anything I need to know about the kit I purchased. Should arrive by Wednesday. I included the price here as well for those other beginners who are wondering what it may cost for an entire first kit. Also, if anyone could let me know if I have forgotten to order something that I should have in my repertoire. I know I need to go get some aftershave and I hear quite a few suggestions about alcohol free aftershaves so I will probably go that route.

1 x Dovo Best Quality Black 5/8" Straight Razor Set = $191.49
Your Strop 3" Black Latigo Leather
Your Brush Simpson Beaufort B4 Pure Badger Shaving Brush
Your Mug Black Super Shave Mug
Your Soap Sandalwood
Your Acrylic Brush Stand Black
Your Pinaud Styptic Pencil .33 ounce
World of Straight Razor DVD No Thanks

About the kit: Went with the 5/8" blade for best balance of tang, blade and handle. Didn't want a heavy blade and vice versa for my first razor. Upgraded to the 3" Strop so I don't need to learn too much at the same time. I heard suggestions that a 3" strop is better for beginners so I don't need to learn the X motion as well as how to strop at the same time. Wasn't really sure on what fragrance of soap but was intrigued by the sandalwood. Decided to opt out of the DVD since most of this stuff can be found on YouTube and this forum.

Awesome, a much excellent kit! Personally I love alcohol based aftershaves, I love the burn! But I often follow it with balm.

You'll have a great time with this, enjoy!

PS: Don't make the mistake many "noobs" does and start stropping this already shave-ready razor before the first shave.
Shave first!

pHluid13,

I have found the Dovo Best to be an excellent razor; they shave well above their price point, and are very easy to maintain the edge.

My Best was the first razor I bought when I re-took up straight razor shaving some three (3) years ago. It is still a favourite in my rotation

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

You did well!

That is an excellent kit. I hesitate to use the term "Beginners Kit" because the quality of your kit could be the last razor and strop you need to buy unless you get AD or just want to explore what is out there.

Dovo razors are all fine shavers. I have three and they all are top performers. I have made frequent purchases from SRD. If you ever have any questions or problems, they stand ready to help. SRD is the first place I check for my shaving purchases.

Good Luck and Happy Shaving. You are going to love it.

That looks like the set i ordered, except that i got the buffalo leather, wife said that looked so much better for the bathroom

Now i can't wait for it to arrive, hope you like your shaver

Dennis

So I just received the set this morning. I took everything out of the box and closely inspected everything (especially the blade). I took the advice of not stropping for the first shave. No nicks or cuts the first time. Feeling a very minimal amount of razor burn, but that's about it. I went very slow and remembered each stroke to keep a very light touch. I think all went well the first time. I would say the quality of the shave was along the same lines as a typical 4 blade disposable. I'm not looking for a BBS shave here (as I've heard that kind of shave is a long way off for most, if not all, beginner straight razor shavers). I have merely been intrigued with the idea of straight razor shaving and am more excited that I actually own and will be a straight razor shaver for many days to come. =)

Awesome, seems like you're off to a great start!

Thought I would post one more pic I took of the razor. Love the look of these things. I actually went back and did an ATG pass and what can I say, WOW!! Now that IS BBS! I only did the cheeks though. I think the first time I was doing it I was just TOO overly careful not to push on my face. I found you have to push a tiny bit toward the skin. And DEFINITELY hold that skin really taught. I think I get it now. It's a light hold against the skin with a motion kinda diagonal toward the skin and up. That was amazing!

Good job, now all you need is more practice. i really like a quote from Alan: little stubble is better than little irritation.
The closeness will come with time as you improve your technique.

CONGRATULATIONS! You're going to love it! I have the Dovo 5/8 and 6/8 and I love the both! I rotate between the two, moreover, the 6/8 is great for heavy beard days. By the way, I bought the same kit except I bought the 6/8, kept the mug and shave soap offered. That 3" strop is great also, I got the same one too.
All my best and wishing you great shaves!
Patrick