Yesterday I rec'd my Dovo 5/8 from SRD. Only having my Fathers straights, which are very old, I haven't a good example of how sharp a razor should be when properly honed and stropped. When my new razor arrived, I stropped it....40-50 times on canvas side, then 40-50 times on the bare leather side. Being 'new', I was very careful and deliberate during stropping. My wife was in the bathroom during this time, so I asked for one of her hairs to use to test the sharpness....hanging hair test. Unfortunately, it would not cut it with only the weight of the hair. It just bent the hair, not cutting it. I could get it to cut the hair, but I had to grasp it with fingers on both sides of the blade. When it cut it, it made a "tink" sound. I thought, maybe it's because she conditions her hair and it was 'softer.' This morning I shaved with it, using Paroso Green shaving soap. However, I was surprised that it didn't seem as sharp as what I thought it should be. It didn't really shave all that well. Even though I say I'm "new" to straights, my Father did show me how to use one several years ago and I did use one for awhile. Retiring it, due to time restraints in the mornings, due to "Life." I have always used a double edge, with great results (except when I used a disposable during my time in the Army) Being 46yrs old, I have a good grip on the direction of my hair growth. With a double edge, I was able to shave in two passes...one with and one against the grain, and not using shave soap of cream....just women's hair conditioner as the 'lubricant.' Never needing to go across. The results were always extremely close. My wife has always commented on how smooth and close my shaves were. This am, with my new Dovo, I did, however, start with, then across, then against the grain, for a total of three passes. Of course, lathering after each. However, the end result was not anywhere near as close as with the double edge. I know there is a learning curve to using as straight, just as with a double. After my shave, I stropped, again. This time, however, my wife was not available to steal a hair, so I used my own(which is not conditioned, as I only use shampoo). The hair cut, with only the weight of the hair, grasping on one side with my fingers. And it did not make the "tink" sounds when it cut. Now, is this because it is sharper? Or is it because my hair is not as pliable as her conditioned hair? Unfortunately, I won't know how it shaves until tomorrow!
