Thread: Razor suggestions

Ok so I got a new kit from vsr. The razor was def not shave ready when I got it, but from what I have been seeing on here no razors are. Anyway I honed the razor and am getting better results. It doesn't seem buttery smooth though. So I am wondering if a better razor would give me a better shave. If so how much should one spend, what's the diff, where is the best place to purchase. I don't really care as much about the scales as I do about the blade. I am a beginner so I am assuming a half hollow would be better but curios about your opinions. What type of metal is best. I keep hearing about Dovo and I am sure they are great but are they the only recommended brand? All opinions are appreciated.

whats is VSR?

I'd typically only reccommend buying from sites advertised on this forum - I believe all sell razors that are professionally honed. In terms of new razors, there is Dovo and TI. Check out the classifieds as well. If you ever have any doubts just use the search tool here on the razor you're looking at and I'm sure there are tons of threads that can give you an idea of other people's experience with that same razor

Ok so I just purchased from VintageBladesllc. Dovo best q 6/8 half hollow. I wanted to get one good razor to last until I'm dead. Did I make the right choice?

There are many possible bad choices, but no single right choice. The DOVO 6/8 half hollow is a good razor and should give close and comfortable shaves in the hands of an experienced straight razor user when properly honed and maintained. Whether it would be your most preferred razor after having had an opportunity to try many straight razors is a different question which cannot be answered except through experience. Assuming good razor geometry and metallurgy, edge sharpness, beard prep., and shaving technique are the most relevant factors affecting a close comfortable shave.

Properly maintained your great-grandsons will be fighting over that razor. That being said most likely over the next few decades you will have many different razors some better some worse some just different. your wants and needs may change as your experience grows i'm back to using 5/8 mainly but have been through phases of liking them all from 4/8 to 10/8.

shaving is a journey

enjoy,
jim

[QUOTE=sheajohnw;1098076][COLOR="#0000CD"][U]There are many possible bad choices, but no single right choice The DOVO 6/8 half hollow is a good razor and should give close and comfortable shaves in the hands of an experienced straight razor user when properly honed and maintained. Whether it would be your most preferred razor after having had an opportunity to try many straight razors is a different question which cannot be answered except through experience. Assuming good razor geometry and metallurgy, edge sharpness, beard prep., and shaving technique are the most relevant factors affecting a close comfortable shave.

Sounds a little Matrix esq LOL

Hey shooter. Thanks for the advise I got a new bq Dovo that will arrive on Monday.

So I know I am not an expert but what is so hard about honing a razor. I bought a norton 4k 8k water stone watched a bunch if videos. I know that doesn't make me an expert but it doesn't look like rocket science. Just a lot of repetition and patience. What am I missing?

Originally Posted by pbsd

Ok so I got a new kit from vsr. The razor was def not shave ready when I got it, but from what I have been seeing on here no razors are. Anyway I honed the razor and am getting better results. It doesn't seem buttery smooth though. So I am wondering if a better razor would give me a better shave. If so how much should one spend, what's the diff, where is the best place to purchase. I don't really care as much about the scales as I do about the blade. I am a beginner so I am assuming a half hollow would be better but curios about your opinions. What type of metal is best. I keep hearing about Dovo and I am sure they are great but are they the only recommended brand? All opinions are appreciated.

Originally Posted by pbsd

Ok so I just purchased from VintageBladesllc. Dovo best q 6/8 half hollow. I wanted to get one good razor to last until I'm dead. Did I make the right choice?

To the OP in your first post you mention getting a razor from VSR which I believe to be Vintage Straight Razor | Home | VintageStraightRazor.com correct? Then in your next post to refer to getting a razor from Vintage Blades LLC. Straight Razor : Double Edge Razor : Shaving Products Supplies : Merkur Safety Razor : Badger Shaving Brush : Men's Grooming Products : VintageBladesllc.com

Are you confused or did you get a blade from both (Vintage) sites? Vintage Straight Razor is getting quite a bad run on the forum as of late. The other Vintage Blades LLC. is a forum supporter/advertiser with a good reputation and their razors are honed by Lynn Abrams the founder of this site.

The first razor I got was from VSR. Which was a cheaper razor I got in a kit. Wasn't shave ready. Then after advice from this forum I purchased a nicer one from Lynn. It will arrive on Monday.

Originally Posted by pbsd

So I know I am not an expert but what is so hard about honing a razor. I bought a norton 4k 8k water stone watched a bunch if videos. I know that doesn't make me an expert but it doesn't look like rocket science. Just a lot of repetition and patience. What am I missing?

Honing a razor is not hard, so I've heard, but it can be difficult trying to learn how to hone and shave at the same time. The advice given here is normally learn to shave with a straight razor first, be able to maintain the edge with proper stropping technique, then learn to hone. If you don't know what a "shave ready" edge feels like shaving, how will you know if your honing correctly? Having a "shave ready" razor honed by someone who knows how to will give you a benchmark to strive towards. But it's just advice, do with it what you will. But I do recommend you take Shooter up on his offer.