Thread: Newbie all the way from Ireland.. Just saying hi

Hi

I was pointed in the the direction of this site for info on straights etc and been trolling through loads. ( all very helpful indeed)

Well a few months back I wanted to try the traditional straight razor but didn't want to waste the money on buying something half decent only to get fed up of nicking myself so bought a cheap Shavette ( I know they are totally different) but I wanted to see if I had the patience for that type of shaving.

So happily to say I love it so I am about to buy a Dovo straight, 5/8 carbon steel razor.. Not top of the line but it's a start I guess.

Never stropped before ( not put off by it) but it's the honing part that scares me a bit. Hence why I didn't buy more expensive blade just case I mess it up....

Anyways I'll have questions no doubt so hope to talk to you all soon

Hey and welcome to the forum. Please be sure that the razor you purchase comes shave ready. Basically that means professionally honed by the vendor and not a factory edge which can be sadly lacking. Also do not strop a shave ready razor before the first use. This avoids the probability of harming the edge due to improper stropping and will let you know what a good edge actually feels like.

Stropping properly take a bit of practice and you can use a butter knife to practice with. Once you get comfortable with that try the razor.

Honing is a whole other area of learning. As you will be starting with a new razor you may be able to get by with a finishing hone for touch ups for quite a while.

Hope you enjoy the straight razor experience as much as you have the shavette.

Bob

Thanks Bob, I assume if it's not shave ready it would only need a strop session?

Hi and welcome.

Originally Posted by Rossafumi

I assume if it's not shave ready it would only need a strop session?

No, It will probably need to be honed by someone whom knows what he is doing. Edges are not usually shave ready from the factory.

More here: The Shave ready razor.

Originally Posted by Otto

Hi and welcome.



No, It will probably need to be honed by someone whom knows what he is doing. Edges are not usually shave ready from the factory.

More here: The Shave ready razor.

Well that sucks cos I can't find anywhere in Ireland that does it

There may be a member here that is near you or to whom you can send it without terrible expense.

Good first razor choice. I hope you get some help here on the honing front.

Originally Posted by Rossafumi

Well that sucks cos I can't find anywhere in Ireland that does it

Hi there and welcome, don't know anyone in NI but you could try Steve at Invisible Edge or Neil at The Strop Shop both here in England.
As others have said please don't try your first shave without your new straight being honed by a professional to a shave ready condition. Once you get it back from honing DO NOT strop it before your first shave. This will allow you to have a benchmark to let you know how a properly prepared edge feels, as you may damage the edge by incorrectly stropping the blade, which most of us have when first starting out.

The entry level Dovo will shave just fine once it's honed. Be mindful of the scales though. I hear they can be a bit on the fragile side. Good luck!

Hello,and welcome to the SRP family!!

Just sent you a PM about my add in Trade section. Alternatively, have you seen Steve's Tornblom selection? They are rather nice. Mr Miller also has a 9/16 sized razor NOS.
(Steve = invisible edge)