Hi everyone,

I just experienced my first strait razor shave this weekend at a NYC classic style barbershop and liked it so much that I picked up some gear to have a go at it myself

My first setup is a Dovo Buffalo razor, Dovo leather strop, yellow band Dovo strop paste, badger hair brush, etc, etc.

My question is mainly about getting the blade "shave ready". The Dovo edge right out of the box doesnt pass the hanging hair test, so I am guessing it isnt anywhere near sharp enough for a decent shave. I'm also guessing that stropping won't be enough either, so it seems like I would have to hone the blade first? Which stones will I need for a new Dovo to get it tuned up properly? How much honing does a brand new blade typically need to get it shave ready?

PS - if anyone knows of a good shop that can professionally hand hone my razor in NYC I would seriously consider bringing it in for an initial hone. After that its mainly just stropping for maintanence and a hone every few months no?