First post, First shave

I had my first shave with a straight razor yesterday. I had a lot of nervous energy but after a couple of pulls I was a lot more comfortable. I came out of the experience with a decent shave, no nicks and a new love affair. I do have some questions though for some of the more experienced shavers here.
I purchased a vintage Dovo Inox on ebay and it came with a surprisingly sharp edge. Unfortunately it has a few miniscule nicks at the back of the blade. I'm from Canada and was curious if any of the Honemeisters here service their northern neighbours.
As well I purchased a Strop. Its a Pike MFG. 3119 in amazingly good shape. In my research I've never come across one like this and was curious as to usage. It has 2 pieces of leather , one somewhat rough labelled "sharpen with the diagonal stroke" and the smoother labelled "Finish with the velvet touch". Also the leather is quite stiff(still pliable). Do I need to work it at all?
As many of you, I'm sure, I shave right after I shower. Do any of you have a trick to defogging/antifogging the mirror.
Thanks,
Etienne

P.S. Should I practice shaving with both hands or is cross handed acceptable?

Etienne, welcome and congratulations on your first shave! :tu

I'll let others answer the questions on honing the strop.

Some do shave with only one hand and if it works well for you, then hey...keep at it.

However, I and I think many others, believe its a good idea to learn to use both hands. It gives you added flexability and options. It takes a little getting used to, but in the grand scheme of straight shaving, it doesn't take very long at all. Just go slow and be patient. Enjoy!

Jordan

Congrats on popping your cherry. :D

While I'd be happy to help you with your razor, I've yet to hone a SS blade to my liking, but I'll go at it for you if you like. PM me.

That strop might benefit from a little leather conditioner like mink oil. It couldn't hurt.

You should switch hands if you can.

X

Congrats on the first shave :tu

+1 on a LIGHT application of mink oil. Rub in well!

Also, switching hands will feel natural quite quickly (YMMV of course) I say give it a good couple of tries.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the input everyone. I will practice 2 handed shaving. As for stropping I'll play around until I get an edge I am happy with.
Cheers,
Etienne

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Originally Posted by xman

Congrats on popping your cherry. :D

While I'd be happy to help you with your razor, I've yet to hone a SS blade to my liking, but I'll go at it for you if you like. PM me.

That strop might benefit from a little leather conditioner like mink oil. It couldn't hurt.

You should switch hands if you can.

X

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Let me know if you can't get it X and I'll help you out.

Lynn

You can defog your mirror by rubbing a very thin layer of soap on the mirror. You have to do that on a dry mirror so, before you have steemed up the bathroom. Just grab a bar of soap and drag it over the mirror e.g. in a crosswise patern. Then rub these few tracks of soap over the whole of the mirror (or at least the part you want to have free of condensation). The layer of soap will get so thin that you will not see it.
Happy shaving with a clear view!:nj

Rain-X makes a product to keep auto windshields from fogging. I've never tried it on the bathroom mirror, but you can find it in the auto supply department of most big stores.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by etienneb

As well I purchased a Strop. Its a Pike MFG. 3119 in amazingly good shape. In my research I've never come across one like this and was curious as to usage. It has 2 pieces of leather , one somewhat rough labelled "sharpen with the diagonal stroke" and the smoother labelled "Finish with the velvet touch". Also the leather is quite stiff(still pliable). Do I need to work it at all?
As many of you, I'm sure, I shave right after I shower. Do any of you have a trick to defogging/antifogging the mirror.
Thanks,
Etienne

P.S. Should I practice shaving with both hands or is cross handed acceptable?

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I have 2 Canadian strops with the same configuration so I'm sure you have a good strop there. Go easy on the mink oil or which ever dressing you choose. Its best to do small amounts and rest it then test.
I leave the small fan light window open when I shower to stop the steamed mirror, though in winter I close it pretty sharpish when I get out :)

PuFF

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kyle76

Rain-X makes a product to keep auto windshields from fogging. I've never tried it on the bathroom mirror, but you can find it in the auto supply department of most big stores.

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If you still have a can of shaving foam around, take some of that and rub it over the mirror. You can wash away as much as you can with water, and then dry it with a towel. That's worked for me, keeps the mirror nice and fog-free, and provides a use for the shaving foam I'm not using anymore.