Thread: DE user wants a straight, so what to get?

Hello everyone! I've only been DE shaving for 6 months, but in that time I can confidently say that I am at the point where I can consistently get BBS to DFS shaves and have really dialed in my technique. I do not want to come off as cocky or a know it all because I am VERY far from it, but can just get awesome results now with my DE. I use either a Merkur Mergress XL, a Merkur HD 34c, an EJ DE89 or on occasion a '57 Super Speed, and like them all for different reasons...I have my brushes and creams/soaps dialed, and have experimented with several cheap and inexpensive brushes, and believe it or not my favorite brush is a Semogue 1305 Boar that cost $19 (I liked is so much I sold my Simpsons Duke 3 because I never used it after getting the 1305!). Queen Charlotte Soaps Mysore Sandlewood hands down is the best performing cream I have used so far.

...but now I really want to take it to the next level and learn how to use a straight razor. I like challenges and although I almost tried a straight razor in the past, I just don't think I was ready for it at the time, still learning the ropes with the DE, and wanted to master that before taking on another challenge. I realize that the learning curve for the straight razor is WAY steeper, and am willing to accept the challenge!

Honing is not something that I plan on undertaking as a beginner. I do believe that it is a skill that I will learn down the line, and just like I was with my motorcycle, I felt like I had to know how to fix it if I was going to ride it, and do not like relying on someone else to do the work for me if it is something I can learn. With that said though, at least for now I want to learn how to shave properly, and then later on will tackle learning how to hone!

So what razor to get as my first straight razor?! I do know about whipped dog, and have even ordered a sight unseen from them in the past, but as I mentioned earlier, it just wasn't the right time for me and sold it. Although I know this may sound superficial, and did know what I was getting, it was an ugly razor, although it was a very usable, awesome shave ready razor, it just did not inspire me! I like nice things, and have rationalized in my head spending a few more $$$$ for something really nice because if it is visually inspiring and pleasing, it's going to be something that I will WANT to use and learn with! That said, I have decided on a few Dovo razors that I like. The Dovo Special, The Dovo Silver Steel Ebony, and the Dovo Bismark. I am unsure if I want a 5/8 or a 6/8, and realize the Silver Steel is a 5/8 razors, the Special is either 5/8 or 6/8, while the Bismark is only available as a 6/8. Personally I think the Bismark is visually stunning and I just think it looks amazing. I am just not sure is the 6/8 would be too much for a beginner, but have held a 5/8 and to me at least (and keep in mind this is the opinion of someone who has no clue when it comes to straight razors!) it felt super light and not very substantial. FWIW, I also like heavier DE razors, and love my Mergress XL. I also have a pretty sharp jawline and my neck area is not easy (but after much practice its not a problem anymore with the DE) and am wondering how much harder it is to shave the mustache area with a 6/8 compared to a 5/8, or is it just a matter of learning with what I have and will get used to it eventually?

So out of the razors I have listed (mostly for aesthetic reasons) which would you recommend for a totally new, green straight razor wanna-be who currently gets awesome shaves with a DE, but is now ready to take the time and learn how to use a straight? I understand there are cheaper alternatives for a first razor, but understand that aesthetics counts for something, at least for me (and most others on here I would have to guess!)

Thanks for those taking the time to read all of this and post your thoughts and responses. I appreciate it! I started out on another well known shaving forum, and have to say that place helped me out a ton when I started out and has wonderful people there, and I am sure this forum is no different. Happy to be here!

Welcome to SRP.
It sounds like you like the feel of a 6/8 in hand so that is a good enough reason to buy one. Even the entry level Best Quality Dovos can be very good in that size but the aesthetics are of course your choice. Technique is everything & the moustache area is no exception. You can always get a small trimmer later if you find it necessary but 6/8 is not that cumbersome .

Welcome to SRP. I'd go for the cheapest brand spanking new Dovo razor/strop set that SRD, Classic or Vintage sells. You're going to need a strop and if you get the entry level dovo it will do the job. Later if you find straight razor shaving is your thing you'll want to add at least one razor to alternate between two, or for a back up. At that point I would go for the aesthetics and get something fancier.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. I'd go for the cheapest brand spanking new Dovo razor/strop set that SRD, Classic or Vintage sells. You're going to need a strop and if you get the entry level dovo it will do the job. Later if you find straight razor shaving is your thing you'll want to add at least one razor to alternate between two, or for a back up. At that point I would go for the aesthetics and get something fancier.

Cannot be put better IMO.

Hey bro, I told you that you'd get some responses, these guys know their stuff!

Originally Posted by RNMike

Hey bro, I told you that you'd get some responses, these guys know their stuff!

Too bad I didn't listen to their advice and went with the Bismarck! I guess that's good news for you though, because if I don't take to it, you obviously have first dibs!

Originally Posted by sbpark

Too bad I didn't listen to their advice and went with the Bismarck! I guess that's good news for you though, because if I don't take to it, you obviously have first dibs!

Welcome to SRP. I was going to suggest the Bismark. You'll love it IMO. I don't have one yet, but I keep looking at them.

So my Bismarck arrived today...and I am going to send it back for something else, or at least a replacement. The color that is set into the filing along the spine is pretty sloppy and it goes beyond a few of the file marks and onto the gold, and the gold is already wearing off/worn off on the non-show side of the shank. the 'Solingen' logo on the scale is done a little sloppy as well. I realize that these complaints are purely cosmetic, and won't affect the way it shaves at all, but I am justifying sending it back because I decided to spend extra $$$ for a nicer looking razor, and if the fit and finish isn't up to par, then what's the point of spending the extra cash, right? So I've sent an email to the vendor (and it is one of the several reputable vendors that are very popular around here, sent shave ready, etc.), and I don't anticipate any problems with a return/exchange, etc. A little bummed, but it's not the end of the world, and soon enough I should have a replacement once I hear back from them!

shame that it didnt work out for you with the bismark.

had one of those "Ah yess this is why I do it" shaves with one yester day that Lynn Honed. Great razors.

Originally Posted by alb1981

shame that it didnt work out for you with the bismark.

had one of those "Ah yess this is why I do it" shaves with one yester day that Lynn Honed. Great razors.

Thats the bummer. I'm sure this is a great razor that shaves wonderfully (not that I would know being new to a straight razor), but figure if II'm gonna fork out the extra money for looks, it should look right! I guess this will be an exercise in patience, since I am guessing I won't hear back from the site I bought it from until monday!