Thread: First razor problems.

I'm torn between razors to buy as my first and hopefully only. There are 3 that strike me.

Firstly there is the Iwasaki. This is the one I really really want. I have been looking at it and reading about it for 2 weeks. The only thing holding me back is the fact that people say it's hard to learn on and no one uses it as their main/only razor.

Secondly there is this dovo Dovo 1226850 Straight Razor I like how clean it looks. The down side of this is that I would have to import it to the UK.

Finally there is the Henckels Friodur. I like this because it's supposed to be a good razor and it looks really classy. I am finding it hard to track down one with a black handle though.

Any thoughts please chime in and help.

Welcome to the Forums Fossala!

Ill go in order.

I would pass on the kamasori(japanise) style razor. I think it will be a lot easier to learn on the regular straight!

There is nothing wrong with the dovo, the are great starter razors. Although, shipping to the UK will be expensive.

The henckles Friodur is a great razor. I have one, it is my best shaver! Can't go wrong with it either!!

Hope this helps!

Parker

Any ideas where I can get a Henckels Friodur in the EU? Because I'm a complete novice with razors I feel uneasy buying of eBay.

Here is here some henckels are Custom Handled Henckels Friodurs : Shaving Shop - luxury classic wet shaving products - straight razors and stay away from kamisoris right now

Thank you for the link, I found it earlier but shipping and tax raises the already high prices. Is there any fixed reason everyone is telling me to stay away from kamisoris?
EDIT: also isn't 7/8 a bit big?

Welcome to the Forum.

Here is a trusted UK vendor who sells Dovo, Thiers Issard, Japanese Iwasaki and Vintage razors.

Introduction to razors

Yes, I have been looking at getting the Iwasaki from him. I'm also tempted by some of his Dovo's. I just love the look of the Iwasaki and the fact it is made and not produced.

I've been thinking about it this morning and I can't work out why I shouldn't get the Iwasaki. If I will get it eventually, what is the point of me learning a tool that I don't want (western razor). I know there is a steep learning curve but I still have my electric and disposables as backup for the hard to shave sections while I'm learning.

Is there any reason you should NOT use it? What I see is that most people use western, so they get used to western razors. In turn the then say that what they are not used to using is harder.

You can get Dovo's widely in the UK. There are plenty of vendors that sell them online and even in stores (Trumper's in Green Park and even Harrods for a start).

Be aware though that you will still need to get it shave ready after purchasing it, so I would personally go with something from the classifieds board right here at SRP.

Originally Posted by fossala

I've been thinking about it this morning and I can't work out why I shouldn't get the Iwasaki. If I will get it eventually, what is the point of me learning a tool that I don't want (western razor). I know there is a steep learning curve but I still have my electric and disposables as backup for the hard to shave sections while I'm learning.

Is there any reason you should NOT use it? What I see is that most people use western, so they get used to western razors. In turn the then say that what they are not used to using is harder.

Personally I have never tried a Iwasaki so probably not the best person to answer this, However...
I believe they are 'handed' meaning you can only shave with one side of the blade. This must be extremely awkward and you would surely be better off buying two ( a left & right hand model ) £££
Also have read despite giving an excellent shave they are very slow to shave with. About twice as long as shaving with a Western razor which already takes long enough !
Its hard enough learning to shave with a straight so must be a bit of a nightmare learning with one of these.

May be wrong about this but surely worth thinking about.

Best of luck with whatever you decide and let us know how you get on.