Thread: 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.

Originally Posted by Gags1892

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

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.