Thread: *FIRST SHAVE WITH NEW DOVO -- NOWHERE CLOSE!

Originally Posted by Gags1892

Is the optimum angle not 30-40 degrees away from your face?

Usually 30 degrees or less. More will cause either a lot of pulling or scraping, both of which are not friendly. I have to be careful with this myself, especially on the wider razors and those of heavier stock. I test shave with every razor I hone and I have a pretty thick beard, so I can say with confidence that most of the time a new person is having trouble with technique. Whether to strop or not before a shave is your preference, but I don't know what air cargo travel does to a razor so I always recommend giving stropping a try. The other thing is that you should really get used to the razor before attempting a full shave.

At the end of the day, I never mind doing a rehoning for any reason, because getting the person shaving is the main thing.

Have fun.

Lynn

Originally Posted by Kenrup

You may have to experiment with the angles and all. I am assuming to you are doing a good prep on your beard. I have seven razors in my working rotation. I get great shaves with all of them. In two passes it is as close I have have ever gotten with a shavette. Of course I do have a exceptionally sharp razors. That's the advantage of being a honemeister. Super sharp razors and I save a lot on shipping.

True, true - I can vouch for your honing. The razors you sent me back last week all had great edges. May I ask what you finished them on? Thanks



Jordan

Originally Posted by Gags1892

Guys I'm feeling a little worried right now -- I just went one pass WTG with my new, pre-honed DOVO -- and the shave is AWFUL. Halfway through, I felt the blade started to dull because I still have a LOT of stubble. I use the same technique with my straight prior to this -- and the shave was terrific (it was a disposable too!)

What should I do?

I hear you, man. From one newbie to another. I've had a similar experience with my first few shaves. Let's not forget the learning curve on straight razor shaving is a big one. . . I think my main issue is my poor stropping technique, which has wound up dulling my edge a bit. . .

such haste. 1 shave and already screaming awful. i think most people that start straight shaving think that their first week/2 of shaving is awful at best definitely not good. most of the time its pure technique and learning the razor.

strop it before ya shave. shave a for a few days..then report back.

1st shave is not enough to get a great shave. time, patiences, learning. it will come but everyone needs practice.

~J

i agree with the above post i am a noob at this also my 1st shave wasnt great my 2nd was a lot better then i rolled the edge by improper stropping and my 3rd was a disgrace but when i grabbed my schick quattro to finish i noticed the best shave i ever had im sure it was due to the pre shave routine i picked up here keep trying and good luck

Shotwell: No one was getting bent out of shape here lol but still, I thank you for your response and feedback.

I hope none of this was taken in bad heart everyone, I am very thankful for all the responses from you guys. I was only a bit frustrated because I was expecting the transfer from disposable straight to DOVO to be one of a smoother, better shave, and perhaps that's my mistake, and I will definitely take responsibility. But I was in no way being sore towards anyone on the fourms, and apologize if it came off as that...I need you guys! haha but in all seriousness, my apologies for anything taken wrong.

Thank you to Lynn who responded and took time out of his schedule as well.

Guess time and stropping will tell for sure lol

Probably my fault then, we all get a little grumpy sometimes; tonight seemed to be my night ;-). Hopefully a little bit of practice will get it all sorted out. If not, I'm sure there will be a solution that will. My apologies for the response.

Oh don't worry about it man. happens to the best of us...thanks to everyone for their help!

One more question: If I give this razor a good 30 laps on the strop right now, with no intent of shaving, will it harm it in any way?

My 4 year old fell off of his bike the first time he tried to ride it. He tried to explain to me that he was doing everything right but bicycling just wouldn't work for him. Through much encouragement, he finally believed me that it wasn't so much his equipment or even his technique that was at fault as it was his expectation for a easy ride from the very first go. Practice is making perfect.

On an unrelated note, disposables don't offer much control or variation which makes them relatively easy to master. Kind of like training wheels

Definitely agree. Looking forward to Sunday's Easter Shave to see if it'll be a better go.