Excellent 7/8" Straight razor Set - cut throat incl. Brush, shaving soap, Strop (blade is not stainless) - Mahogany

If you are new to straight-razor shaving, this is probably the finest starter kit available. I've been collecting straights for 10 years now, I've paid more than double the price for new Dovos (which I would not recommend), and I can hardly believe I was able to get such quality at such a bargain.Everything about this product suggests quality and luxury. Photos don't do it the justice it deserves!First, there's the included box - carved, with fancy, antique brassy clasps, whe Dovo won't even give you paper that isn't too flimsy to hold it secure at double the price!The blade is truly beautiful all by itself. It has a very subtle smile (curvature), but this has not complicated the process of setting a bevel and honing a fine edge at my amateurish skill-level. You will need to do this, or find a pro to do it, if you are going to use this blade for shaving. Which I've found out you can in fact do, it's one of the best available for that purpose! In my experience, I've found that some razors are, by virtue of their weight distribution and material quality easier to use and maintain than others. Regarding this, my pricey Dovos have been a nightmare compared to the used Ebay specials which I've plucked and restored from the bones of now-extinct makes, and this modern day beauty holds a perfect edge for an easy shave, plus the weight is balanced to make the daily stopping motions amazingly natural and stress-free.The scales are hefty enough for perfect balance when shaving with that heavier-than-average blade. Truly eye-popping red wood-grain and metal accents. Feels like hardwood, but not sure on account of the unusual construction scheme, where metal backs each piece from the inside. When I noticed this, it gave be some concern that the metal may be as steel and rust-prone as the blade, so I'll I'll be watching this carefully for a while, wiping it down after use, leaving it open to air out.The shaving brush was another surprisingly luxuriant pleasure to behold - solidly-built with red wooden handle, metal accents. The bristles are indeed high-quality badger and sufficiently dense - I've owned Silvertip brushes, and this feels like nothing less.The strop is nicely made and smooth. Therefore, it can definitely be worked with, although I find it a bit on the thin side, besides being narrow and short.

This is my first real straight razor, before I had been using the dovo shavette. The absolute closest shave I've had with the least irritation.I stropped it before use like the instructions state to and that was definitely all it needed. It has a good heft and balance to it, a little heavier than I expected but definitely pleasureable and manageable and very well balanced in the hand no matter what position I held it in. And I know the whole experience will just get better and better with further practice.I love the design of the case itself but it doesn't actually hold the razor in place in the box. If it's flipped over the razor is going to bounce around in its box. It stays closed right enough its not going to open the blade and damage the case but I could see it being the wood handle if it got jostled hard enough and the clap design while looks great is cheaply made.I did not use the soap yet but the brush that comes with it is a definite upgrade from the boars hair I had before. It's softer and lathers amazingly with a standard stiff shave soap.The only reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the box which is part of the package here, the razor itself gets an absolute 5/5.

My son has been wanting one of these for a long time now. purchase this as a Christmas gift for him and he was overjoyed! quite honestly, I was very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of this razor... I think I might be purchasing one for myself as well.It was very sharp right out of the box, and even sharper within seconds of using the included strop.

So frustrated, buyer beware! I ordered this beautiful set as a gift, but what I received was a cardboard box with just a strop with a container of razor abrasive. Pieces of the leather from the strop edging are littered all over the box, it's a mess. This is NOT what is pictured or advertised at all. There is no razor, no products, no brush, no decorative box, nothing. Now I have to send it back, wait up to a week for a refund AND I do not have the gift that I need!

I got this as my first razor, and have since moved on to other razors I like more. This razor will shave nicely at first, but maintaining it is more difficult than others. The main reason why I can't recommend this product is that it has an abnormally thick shoulder that is much wider than the bevel of the razor. It WILL get in the way of honing if you're not careful. If the shoulder catches - especially on a 1000 grit stone - then the toe of the razor will get eaten up very quickly and you'll get uneven hone wear before you know it. Not an easy thing to fix when you're a novice learning to properly maintain a razor.Additionally because of the thick shoulder design, the razor doesn't want to close all the way as the shoulder rides the inside of the scales.Ultimately whether you're looking for a good starter razor or you're an experienced straight razor aficionado looking for a reliable razor or a collection piece, it is my opinion that this razor is sub-par for both purposes. If you want a starter razor to learn honing and stropping and can somewhat hold up to rookie abuses, get a cheap Gold Dollar. If you're looking for reliability and charm get a Sheffield steel or Solingen steel razor, whether it's brand new or restored vintage.

It is a very nice straight edge, no doubt about it, but it's not shave ready. Mine was very dull, and even after passing it thru the strop as recommended, it was still pulling my facial hair quite a bit. To be honest i was expecting it to be a really sharp blade for the price I paid. This company gave me a refund, the knife is useless, it cant be honed, due to poor craftsmanship.