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  1. #1
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    Default 1st Time with a Straight Razor

    Today I finally got my first straight razor - A Dovo Desert Ironwood 5/8" and couldn't wait to try it. So upon openning it - I tried the HHT and it failed. I assume that's whats expected from a brand new razor. Anyways - I stropped it and decided to shave for the first time.

    The results - A decend shave (but not a bbs shave) - I went with the grain and against the grain. No cuts (but I kept my goatie - so I avoided the hard parts) - Took some time as I shaved only with my right hand.

    I had what felt like 2 spots of razor burn, alittle red on the skin. After using my after shave lotion - both spots were gone.

    I'm somewhat happy that it went so good! Tomorrow I'm going to Lee Valleys to get me that norton water stone.

    Wish I had done this sooner!
    Johnny

  2. #2
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    Hi,

    congratulations on your positive first-time-result, you can count yourself a bit lucky as by far not everybody is having a good first time with his Str8.

    Just a small word of warning with regard to that norton stone: to me it sounds as if the razor in itself cannot be that dull, as you got a decent shave even against the grain. I don't know about your experience level with razor honing, but it would be a shame if you render your shaveable razor useless by an inexperienced honing effort.

    I don't want to interfere with your personal razor (& honing) experience, just don't claim afterwards that nobody warned you

    Good luck and have fun,
    -Axel-

  3. #3
    Member AFDavis11's Avatar
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    Congrats! I'd start with 10-20 passes on 8K and try again. Use a light touch and have fun Looks like you got a really nice razor!

    Keep the goatee for a while, makes it much, much easier to learn.

    aschaab is right, go slow and easy. And it does sound like your first shave went very well.
    Last edited by AFDavis11; 05-25-2007 at 01:57 PM.

  4. #4
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    Hi and thanks for the replies.

    As for the norton stone - I did do 10 or so passes on 8k - very lightly - but I really didn't notice any dramtic differences. Blade is sharp when testing on my finger nail. I can also cut the hair on my fore arm - but I can't do that hht. Is this normal?

    I just did another shave - and no cuts. Shave was just as good as when doing 2 passes with my DE razor.

    Question - if my blade is not as sharp as it could be - would it make it easier for me to shave? I say this cause I haven't cut or nick myself yet. I do go slowly and it takes my about 20-30 mins to shave - but I just saw a picture of someone here with 10 plus cuts on his face.

    Also - when stropping - I get some leather dust on the back of the blade after 10+ passes - is this normal? I'm using a brand new dovo leather strop - 2inches wide - no paste or anything.

    Thanks
    Last edited by JohnnyV; 05-27-2007 at 09:05 AM.

  5. #5
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    If you got a decent shave without honing, then you were lucky, and we'd classify your razor as 'shave ready'. A decent shave is one that removes most hair on the first pass, although it may need a second pass in a different direction to hit BBS, and doesn't pull or tug the hairs in difficult spots - which for most people means the chin.

    If your razor is shave ready, then it should be good for 10-15 shaves at least without rehoning. Just so long as you strop 20-30 return strokes before each shave. Dust from the strop is perfectly normal, it all depends on how old/new the strop is, and if you apply any dressing to it. I 'warm up' my strop by rubbing the palm of my hand up and down it a few times. It might not make any difference, but I like to do it :-).

    It should be easier to shave, assuming good technique, with a properly sharp razor. You need very light strokes at a shallow angle to your face. With a less sharp razor, you need heavier strokes.

    Some people can get HHT; others can't. It's not as good an indicator of shave readiness as a test shave, so I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, a razor honed with a Norton 8K is quite likely to pull, even at it's best; it all depends on your sensitivity and honing skills; a finishing hone may be required to get a really first class shave.

  6. #6
    Member AFDavis11's Avatar
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    Yes, a sharper blade helps. In your case I think your doing fine. I wouldn't do any more, just keep at it and practice a little.

    You can add some dressing to the strop or simply rub it with the palm of your hand everytime you pass by for about a week and you'll apply natural oils to the strop that should lessen the "dust".

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