Firstly, I can only compare this to a shavette as I've never bought a straight razor before. I decided to buy this from Razors Emporium since it was advertised as "shave ready" - something that's quite hard to find in the UK. I was really impressed with Matt's YouTube videos - such a good communicator with tons of experience. Despite being sent from Arizona to Scotland, the delivery time was pretty quick. It was advertised as "shave ready"...and it was..up to a point. I did manage to get a fairly decent shave straight out of the box but it wasn't nearly as sharp as my shavette, so I had to buy a strop after a couple of uses. Frankly I think I've made it worse due to my lack of strop experience! The condition and appearance of the Gold Dollar was pretty good and its got a good weight and balance to it making it pleasurable to shave with. If it was only a bit sharper then I'd have given it more stars. I wonder if they spend a little more time honing/stropping their more expensive straights? All that being said, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another razor from these guys - price permitting. I haven't contacted the Razor Emporium to complain as I don't feel I the sharpness issue merits a complaint....plus it would cost me too much money,time and effort to send it back. Furthermore, I don't feel I could part with my first straight razor. As I've already said, these guys are experienced, knowledgeable, friendly and conscientious and happy to answer any questions you might have. Thanks guys.

Not shave ready at all. Will send it to be sharpened Pleased with the scales wish it was sharper

I stopped in the Shop at Razor Emporium to get advice on getting started with a true straight edge. I am shifting from a shavette. I bought the Gold Dollar 208 Shave Ready and am very pleased. Like the other reviewer indicates, "I can't compare to a Dovo, etc." because I have not shaved with one. However, if you are somewhat skeptical as to whether you will like straight edge shaving and you want to introduce yourself....then this is a great place to start. The 6/8 may seem a "tad" big but it certainly is manageable and I wouldn't let that stop me from buying. Because the GD 208 has been good so far, I am interested in upgrading to a Dovo when the money is in hand. I will use the 208 as a traveler. The scales and look appeal is pretty ordinary, however, respectful. You simply can't beat this price for an inexpensive straight edge. Make sure to get a strop (full size)and take care of it just like you would with any sharp tool that you would trust on your face. Keep some mineral oil on hand to keep it oily to prevent any rust that could develop over an extended use of time w/o use. I do wish it came with a case versus zip-lock baggy. But hey, what do you expect? No frills at a no frills price. I say go for it...you will like it and you can always upgrade to a German blade in the future.

I've been shaving with my Grandfather's Straight Razors for some time and when I travel I end up resorting to plastic disposables since I won't risk losing the straights to the TSA. I was in Phoenix on a trip and ran across Razor Emporium on the web and stopped by to pick up one of these to be my travel razor. It is a Gold Dollar, so the grinding on the blade is not up to Dovo standards, but with the custom scales and a good hone, this is a respectable razor. In fact, the quality of the hone showed my just how bad my honing technique is. Guess I need to work on that. The staff are great here and good to talk to, I highly recommend their shop.