Thread: low end vs high end razors

Dovo makes excellent razors. Even their entry level models are of indisputable quality. Differentiating between different brands, grinds, sizes, alloys is for many seasoned straight shavers sort of a hobby, and the preferences on that front are generally more dictated by esthetical, historical and emotional values than by bare shaving performance.
An entry level Dovo will give you outstanding and very comfortable shaving results, if you allow it the time it takes for you to tackle the typical straight razor learning curve. If not, no other straight razor will. Period.

Newbie frustration is mostly initiated by one, or both of the following causes:

1. Dull blade, caused by stropping issues.
2. Poor technique, usually angle/pressure related.

Solutions - workarounds:

1. Perform the Hanging Hair Test after stropping. While a razor does not need to pass the HHT for a good shave, one that does pass is sure to be fully capable to give you that good shave. This advice only counts for a razor that was properly honed by someone who knows what he does. It's a good method for taking at least the sharpness question out of the equasion. A razor that's "HHT-ready" won't pull with proper shaving technique.

2. Start learning to shave with the lowest possible angle. Put the razor flat on your face, start a shaving motion, and slowly lift the spine till the razor starts shaving whiskers. Stick with that angle for a few shaves. Use minimal pressure. Think about shaving as of skimming hairs of your face.

Finally, for your particular situation: I think that performing your WTG pass with a Mach3 and then trying to do an ATG pass with a straight, will only make things harder instead of easier. It's more challenging shaving short and hard stubble than it is shaving the somewhat longer stubble that a typical WTG-pass with a straight leaves. For that same reason, I would not do more than one WTG-pass, if you're having problems with your ATG-pass.

Best regards,

Bart.