Just got my Dovo/Strop combo in -- major questions

It finally came -- and in 2 days! It looks wonderful. I ordered my DOVO and strop with the pre-honed option on Saturday - and it came this morning! But I didn't use it yet, and have some big questions:

1) I took it out, and the blade looked wet sort of -- I come to realize it's some sort of mineral oil. From the moment after my first shave with the DOVO, what are the tips I need to do to take proper care of this? I know a strop before and after, but do I need to apply that mineral oil? How do I do it?

2) Can I store my DOVO in the case it came in when I don't use it, or should it be out in the open?

Thanks guys

1. Unless you live in an exceptionally humid area, or you're storing the blade for an extended period of time without use, you shouldn't need to oil your blade after you use it.

2. Yes, I would encourage it actually. I do it and it works beautifully.

What would be an extended period of time? I have almost a week in between shaves...

And do I wipe the current oil off the blade before I shave with it?

Yes, to the second question.

So basically just strop before and after each shave, and I should be all set?

Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but...

Be sure to dry the razor well after each use (careful of the edge tho). Try not to get water in the pin area.

If you can, it doesn't hurt to leave the razor out and open to air dry for a few minutes before putting it away. If your bathroom gets very steamy, you might want to store the razor in another room.

Jordan

So I DON'T need to oil the blade, even if it sits for 4-5 days without use?

It depends on the case for storage. Is it a box?

Yes it if doesn't stress the razor. I've recently seen some major damage on a Dovo that was kept in a travel case. It was the kind that looks like a knife holster for your belt (one button flap, plastic case). The thing had flexed and warped the scales terribly, and the blade edge itself was warped and honed unevenly.

Make certain the case doesn't flex the razor.

I think all the new dovo cases are those blue metal ones which are quite adequate for securing your razor. I have only purchased 2 from them but they both came in the blue case.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gags1892

So I DON'T need to oil the blade, even if it sits for 4-5 days without use?

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You need to take good care of your blade. Heat it with hot water to warm the blade and then let it dry open, the heat will dry the blade quicker. I dry mine with a stropping motion on a towel, but I use stainless blades almost exclusively. Put it away in a good place away from the steam in the shower and somewhere open. If your going to leave it alone for a week I'd go ahead and put a drop of oil in the pivot pin if its a carbon razor. This spot is hard to dry and rusts easily.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gags1892

So I DON'T need to oil the blade, even if it sits for 4-5 days without use?

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You don't need to. Alan's advice is good though especially if you are in a more humid climate. I for instance don't bother plus I keep mine in the bathroom and don't use each razor I have for more than 1 shave a week if that. you can apply it by just dripping a couple of drops on the blade and smearing it around with your finger, but a cloth or tissue would be safer.

Part of the reason you are a little confused is that Lynn, who honed your razor, coats it in mineral oil for shipping. He wants to prevent rust, even if the mail man chucks the package in a puddle so he coats it. This should be wiped off prior to use.

As far as the case it came in, what kind of case is it? I never liked storing a razor in the cardboard box figuring the box could trap moisture, but some guys think the box pulls moisture off a razor so who knows :shrug: if its a wooden presentation box I would use it for storage most definitely. A plastic box will trap moisture unless its vented so that isn't a good storage option.

It's in a case that is a little bigger than the razor itself in height and width, opens at the top and you take the razor out -- a DOVO case, black. Should I put it back in there after I shave with it? Or leave it in the open?

Also, when I strop POST-shave, do I also run the blade under hot water and dry it before stropping?

You should only have to strop once per shave. Most guys do it before the shave (I do).

Yes, you can store it in the case, closed, as long as the razor is dried. I use a square or two of toilet paper to clean the blade off after every shave before I put it in the case. Then I just leave the case in my bedroom rather than my bathroom to avoid steam.