[ArmoredJ]

Hi everyone,

First time post. I was looking for approval/disapproval of this box set:

Shave Set Containing Strop, Stone and Black Handle Straight Razor

This one caught my eye because it is rather cheap and has both a DOVO razor and a honing stone. However, I want to make sure this retailer is legitimate and that this is in fact a good idea. Another option I am considering is just buying one of their DOVOs because their prices are cheap and grabbing an apprentice strop from Tony Miller and finally picking up a Norton 4000/8000 from a site. What sounds good to you guys? Thanks for any help.

--James

[wopmanfixit]

The Col. Conk hone that's included in this set isn't vary good. You'd be better off with your other option.

[ArmoredJ]

Well thanks for the quick reply. I will do that then.

[zombiehunter80]

Welcome!

I'm a newbie myself, so I'm sure there are others who can advise you better than I can. However, if you're willing to pay $130, maybe you'd be willing to pay just a bit more for better stuff.

Here's an example:

Vintage*Blades*LLC*::...

No hone, but you get just about everything else. And if you get Lynn to hone it for you, you won't be sorry. I did, and the razor came to me shave ready and in great shape.

Just my 2 cents

[AusTexShaver]

Originally Posted by ArmoredJ

Hi everyone,

First time post. I was looking for approval/disapproval of this box set:

Shave Set Containing Strop, Stone and Black Handle Straight Razor

This one caught my eye because it is rather cheap and has both a DOVO razor and a honing stone. However, I want to make sure this retailer is legitimate and that this is in fact a good idea. Another option I am considering is just buying one of their DOVOs because their prices are cheap and grabbing an apprentice strop from Tony Miller and finally picking up a Norton 4000/8000 from a site. What sounds good to you guys? Thanks for any help.

--James

I would go with plan B.

The Dovo is OK, I can't comment on the strop having never used that one, but the hone is very coarse and while might be useful for setting the bevel wouldn't make the razor shave ready.

Another thing to consider is several times I've seen these package deals more expensive than buying the items individually...go figure.

The Norton is a good starter stone (I still use one) and ANY of the TM products are first class...and you do deserve to go first class don't you?

Enjoy and if you can keep your "starter set" under $500 you're probably a better man than most of us lurking here.

[gugi]

Yes, I would also say it's not a particularly good option. I have not been impressed by the entry level dovos, the hone is not considered a good one, and you can get a better strop. You'll also have to send out the razor for honing.
If you look for 'good value' get a wapi or double arrow if you must have new razor or one of the shave ready ones in the classifieds
Or as you planned pick a razor+ TM strop at straightrazordesigns or any of the other vendors.
You don't need a hone immediately.
Check the sticky post in this section if you haven't already.