Another "first shave" newbie

I received my new DOVO yesterday (actually one day earlier than scheduled) from Vintage Blades. I had it honed by Lynn. They are certainly an excellent company to do business with! My first shave with a straight blade this morning. It felt much draggier (is that a word?) than I remembered from when the barbers actually used to shave your neck and sideburns. I have never had the opportunity to experience a proffessional shave. I had somwhat of a tough time with the angles and grips for the different parts and sides of the face, but I actually ended up with no more nicks than my old DE razor. It felt like I was leaving some terrible stubble when I felt like I should probably quit. Then rinse, a little styptic, aftershave lotion, and I was absolutely amazed at the result. It was much closer and smoother than I thought when I was shaving. I wouldn't callt it the BBS shave, but it was still better than I have been getting with my DE. I forgot to order Lynn's DVD, but now I have to go for hones and better aftershave/balm, and foo-foo juice, so I will include it in my next order. Happy and excited camper!!!:y

Hey keep up the good work. Check out some of the soap makers Mama bear and The soap Mistress( Colleen) . They make some outstanding soaps and creams.

Sounds like you did great for your first straight shave!
Hope you have a strop, because you really need to strop your razor before each shave. Lynn strops the razors he sharpens before sending them out so you can get by for the first shave. However, subsequent shaves need 50-60 passes on the leather.

Straights do have more tactile response than other shaving methods I have used, but I count this a benefit. That coupled with good technique means I have great control over the end result. Good careful stropping should keep that blade humming for a while and may even make it nicer to shave with. It's not uncommon for newly honed razors to 'act up' a bit.

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Thanks for your kind comments and encouragement. I do indeed have a strop, it came with the kit I got from Vintage Blades. Since I work with blades in my profession, I know the value of stropping.