I have been using my 1st SR, a Dovo Bismarck, off and on since January -- mostly off since my shave quality seems to be going down. I recall my first shave, I believe on Christmas Day, and was really surprised that I either didn't cut myself at all or only did so once. Of course I was only doing a single pass then.

Since then, I can't seem to make it through a single shave without at least 5 nicks. I do WTG and ATG. I strop prior to each shave, and have read extensively about stropping and seen a lot of videos, so would not be surprised if my stropping technique has been less than optimal much of the last 7 months.

I am trying to figure out whether the problem is my technique or that the razor needs honing. I do have a barber hone and have done 5 or so passes from time to time without noticeable difference. I do notice a nick on the blade, about 3/8 inch from the end, and not sure if this might be the source of the nicks on my face?

Anyway, just trying to decide whether to buy a set of hones, or have the razor honed by a honemeister, or just keep trying to improve my technique.

It is really frustrating, however, because my facial nicks are sufficiently bad that I really don't like shaving with my Dovo during the week since people at work ask me why my face is so cut up.

Any advice on how to improve this situation would be appreciated.