overwhelmed newb

**dreaded_rust** · 06-08-2012, 07:01 AM

So I’ve decided to take up straight razor shaving. I’m active duty Air Force so I shave daily. I’ve been alternating between electric razors and standard disposable 14 blade hackers for about 11 years now and I need a change-up. So I’ve been doing a little bit of looking around and the amount of info and opinions is overwhelming. I really like the Dovo razors I’ve been looking at, but still undecided I don’t want to buy something cheap, as I feel I’ll enjoy it more and be more likely to stick with it if I get a razor I like.
I also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg just to get started. Any advice on a new guy set up that I’ll be happy with later on if I stick with it?

anyway, props on what appears to be an incredibly well put together community!

can't wait to get shavin!

**Toddy** · 06-08-2012, 07:05 AM

Good razor will work better and last a lifetime

**elsmooth** · 06-08-2012, 07:05 AM

I personally would recommend Whipped Dog for a starter straight razor. It'll be used (and maybe not the prettiest), but it will have a wicked sharp edge. I think it's a cost effective way to get started, as if it turns out straight razors aren't for you, you won't be out too much money. Just my 1.5 cents. Good luck!

**Sledgehammer39** · 06-08-2012, 07:09 AM

Welcome Aboard!!

**NickCutlip** · 06-08-2012, 10:15 AM

Welcome to the forum !!

**dpmtherrien** · 06-08-2012, 01:02 PM

Welcome. Are you looking at DE's or straights? Most start with a good DE razor, and the Merkur HD is a very nice DE and a good starting razor. Often the HD will be the only DE you'll need, but things can change quickly if the AD's set in.

**Optometrist** · 06-08-2012, 01:07 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Captain Coconut** · 06-08-2012, 01:09 PM

You'll find it easier to start with a DE, but Dovo straights aren't really "cheap" in the sense of low-quality. The basic models aren't fancy, but they're great razors.

**cleanshaved** · 06-08-2012, 02:24 PM

welcome to B&B.
I started SR shaving at the start of the year with a Dovo Best and still enjoying it today. good razor but you will find Whipped Dog is a very good start. at least get his poor mans strop, it is very comon for those starting out to nick their strop. Get a nice strop later.
If you post you questions in the Straight Razor forum you will get a lot more help on the subject

**Slash McCoy** · 06-08-2012, 07:30 PM

Two out of two Dovo Bests I have owned had issues. Don't get the entry level Dovos if you insist on Dovo. YMMV as usual.

+1 on a vintage whippeddog razor. It might be 60 to 100 years old but it will last another 60 to 100 years. And it will be sharp when you get it. Most new razors are NOT shave-ready. If you get Larry's SUD (Sight Unseen Deal) you get a razor, a cheap strop that is perfect for you to hack up while learning to strop, and a pasted balsa block for maintaining your edge. He also sells some cheap badger brushes. All you need besides that is a cheap mug and a puck of VDH soap from Walgreens or walmart.

Good Luck and Happy Shaves

**CharlieFoxtrot** · 06-08-2012, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by elsmooth

I personally would recommend Whipped Dog for a starter straight razor. It'll be used (and maybe not the prettiest), but it will have a wicked sharp edge. I think it's a cost effective way to get started, as if it turns out straight razors aren't for you, you won't be out too much money. Just my 1.5 cents. Good luck!

+1 here. Straight razors involve a lot more variables than DE's. Larry's sight unseen deal is the best out there for entry level. If your stationed in Italy, you should be checking out Proraso's new line-up. Grab some soap and a brush and start learning the art of lathering; by the time your straight arrives, you'll have one less variable to contend with.

**Whilliam** · 06-09-2012, 01:19 AM

Welcome and enjoy!

**GDCarrington** · 06-09-2012, 03:32 PM

Welcome aboard the good ship B&B. Take a stroll on the promenade deck and enjoy the voyage.

Always remember, relax but be vigilant when you shave!

**dreaded_rust** · 06-15-2012, 06:37 AM

thanx guys
I've been to the whipped dog site. seems like he's pretty well respected around here. i'll give it another look

**shakin_jake** · 06-15-2012, 09:02 AM

I'll be happy to pile on here

Larry (whipped dog) has an excellent rep. That said, when I started out, I bought a new Dovo from the superior shave. Jarrod's shop is 2 hours one way from me (J-Actionville Fla.) so I rode up there and bought new kit, what I wanted to do going in. I knew about Larry and his awesome rep but at the same time, I wanted a new razor so I went the route that I did. Larry's kit isn't aimed just at the peeps who aren't sure if they'll stick with straights though, but many that hem and haw and aren't sure if they'll stay with cut throats buy his kit as it's a good hedge dropping only $55 for the whole sha-bang vs. $80 for an entry level dovo (for instance) plus your stop, on and on

Another aspect to consider is if you decide to buy a new straight razor is who you buy it from. Not all straight razor stockists deliver shave ready edges, so if you go the new razor route, make sure the blade will be ready to shave with (doing your own research) or be prepared to send it to someone to make it that way for you, unless you want to tackle making the edge ready under your own power...a real fun way to get into this hobby and I'm not being a smart ass saying that either. Razor honing isn't rocket science and if you prepare for this course (doing the research), it's a real fun way to get into this hobby, despite what the nay sayers will tell you, which usually is something like "don't take on learning how to shave w/a straight & honing a straight simultaneously", but that is good advice for those not wanting to learn both right off the bat

Have fun with your new hobby and welcome to the fold

Best,

Jake
Reddick Fla.