Newbie is ready for his first shave. Finally!
Yes, I’m a one week old newbie. That said, I have learned a lot about the art in a very short time. Enough time to realize I should have spent more time here than filling my shopping cart. Last weekend I bought a DOVO and more recently, a Filarmonica which I just received Wednesday. Got to say, Classic Shaving.com is a great place to do business with.
I have not yet done a full shave with either as I soon realized, after a few swipes on the right cheek, that these razors are not shave ready. I then did further research and today, I went to my local Woodcraft store for a Norton 4k x 8k combo-stone (It was on sale for 65 bucks). I just finished honing and stropping them when I decided to sit down and write this. Before I did anything, I dragged both razors over my thumbnail to feel its edge. The DOVO felt very consistent where as the Filarmonica felt like dragging a miniature wood saw over my nail. I honed the “Fily” with 4000 and then the 8000. Did the nail test and what a difference! I gave the DOVO an 8k treatment and that has improved its edge too. Tomorrow morning, I’m going to put the DOVO to the test. I will post my results afterwards.
One thing I have to say is that I am no stranger to honing. I do a lot of woodworking and cooking so keeping a keen edge on my tools and knives is important to me. I have never felt it necessary to go any further than a 4k hone for that purpose. I have had a lot of success honing knives (freehand) so, I am looking forward to see how my honing skills relate to the razor where you basically, lay it down on the stone and move it along the length with very little pressure if any. It was actually quite easy. But the real test will be tomorrow morning!
Venture on my friends!