Thoughts on an upgrade

Hello all,

Been shaving for a while now with a Dovo Shavette. Getting better and better at it. Things I do like about the shavette are no need for maintenance and low cost. The things I don't like though are blade length (I'm using half of a DE blade), the lack of forgiveness in the disposable blade, and it lack of any weight or solid feeling. I think it's time to upgrade to a real straight razor. I already own soap/mug, brush, aftershave, septic pencil, holders, etc, etc.... and am well versed in their use.

I want to get something that is quality and shave ready so I have a standard to set once I do start having to maintain a blade. Most likely going to make a purchase through SRD. The first thing I am looking to purchase is the Lynn Adams Modular Paddle strop. Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems like this setup comes with mostly everything I will need to maintain the blade between honing. Then for a first blade I am looking at the Dovo Astrale (I like the way it looks and the ebony scales), or the Ralf Aust 5/8". Both of which are offered on SRD, so I am sure you know about them coming shave ready and a free honing service.

After I get comfortable with that I want to start looking into some stones. Thinking about the Naniwa 12k with a lapping stone to start, then start working my way down in grit from there so I can eventually do all my own honing. Once I fully grasp honing on my own I would like to start grabbing some antique and higher quality/more fancy blades.

Does this sound like a solid plan of action? Am I headed in the right direction here? Any thoughts, comments, concerns, or advice are more than welcome.

sounds like the right plan tome I,m a big advocate of leaving the honing out of the equation till you know how to shave and strop , no sense loading up your mind till you've accomplished each step along the way ,, so good for you , just pay close attention to how you strop and you will not have to hone for a long time,, the paddle strop will do your touchups just fine with some CRoX or diamond spray, and that's going to be what your going to like good luck tc

Sounds like the reccomend progression. Hard bit is not jumping a few steps. Good luck

Forget the stones at first would be my advice. Get more razors. Learning the maintenance can leave you without if you only have 1. Unless you plan on jumping in with both feet and collecting/restoring. You can go a long time on 3 razors without needing a stone. And then you could go barbers hone for maintenance. Heck you could go for years on that modular. Your not going to mind the trade off as far as maintenance goes unless you create your own monsters.

Sounds like you are going about every thing the right way. Like it was said above, just learn how to shave and strop first. Than get you some more razors, so when you do start honing you will always have a backup razor. Just take your time, and enjoy this awesome journey!!

As many have said, you have a great plan.
If you are in Okinawa you may have access to the Feather (DX, RJ, SS) and Kai system that SirStropalot mentions. (off base, if you have local barbers ask them)
The advantage is you have a kit that does not take up much more room than a toothbrush holder.
And a new edge is just a few seconds away.
For you it might make a great second razor. I use the DX and SS as my travel razor and when I need a quick 1 or two pass shave.

The SRD modular, felt pads and Diamond and Crox and you can maintain your (regular) razors for some time with a little care.

And thank you for your service...

Smooth Shaving...