Thread: having some issues

so I just got my kit that included a dove ebony. I ordered the silver steel but I got the stainless. I used it before I realized it so they wont let me return it. I paid for it to be honed but I am having alot of probs with it. it fails the hht.it doesnt cut my beard at all. it pulls at my whiskers and I end up with a shave that is not close at all and my face hurts. it was honed by lynn so I must be missing something.

The HHT is really only a method that allows you to bench mark a razor against itself. I have a few blades that shave smoothly without passing this test. Pulling is a bit of a sign that either your technique is not there yet or that the edge is not up to par. If it was honed by Lynn, chances are really good that it was shave ready when it left his care. Any chance you scotched it up while stropping? Barring any of the above, you might PM lynn and ask him about it. I haven't used any stainless blades; however, many people have. The general consensus is that they can be made just as sharp as carbon steal blades it just takes a bit more effort.


Good Luck!

-Rob

I believe when Lynn sends out a razor he includes an insert that suggests that the first shave be done without stropping as it is already stropped by him. So an extension of Sicboater's question is, did you strop it at all?

More importantly, have you watched any of the shaving videos to get a sense of how to use the razor?

There are lots of things you "might be missing" but there are lots of people here who will help you get it sorted out. Keep trying!

The Dovo SS razors are pretty nice shavers. Was this your first attempt at straight razor shaving? At worst, you can always send it back for a re-hone. The shave is always the test for me, but for new folks I always recommend just shaving from the side burn to the jaw until you get the feel of the razor and get that area shaving smooth. Then take on a little more at a time as you get comfortable.

Have fun,

Lynn

I didnt strop it before I used it the first time. I have watched all the vids I can find. I will admit that the only part that goes well is from my sideburn to my jaw. perhaps I will just do that and slowly move in. I am just a bit worried that because I was sent the wrong razor that they perhaps sent me one that wasnt honed. this hasnt been the bliss that I thought it would. it is painful and un close. I tried to cut a leg hair today and I had to make a sawing motion to cut it. I have never owned a straight razor before, so I dont know.

thank you all so much for your help. I have just joined this forum, but I have been lurking around for a bit.

Originally Posted by dizzo

I didnt strop it before I used it the first time. I have watched all the vids I can find. I will admit that the only part that goes well is from my sideburn to my jaw. perhaps I will just do that and slowly move in. I am just a bit worried that because I was sent the wrong razor that they perhaps sent me one that wasnt honed. this hasnt been the bliss that I thought it would. it is painful and un close. I tried to cut a leg hair today and I had to make a sawing motion to cut it. I have never owned a straight razor before, so I dont know.

thank you all so much for your help. I have just joined this forum, but I have been lurking around for a bit.

Having to use a sawing motion to cut hair is not a good sign!
Maybe you should send it back to be rehoned! It is not likely, but possible that your razor was either not honed or sent out not shave ready by the honer! It is more likely that you dulled it somehow, but not necessarily!

It should work a lot better if you strop it.

Originally Posted by JMS

Having to use a sawing motion to cut hair is not a good sign!
Maybe you should send it back to be rehoned! It is not likely, but possible that your razor was either not honed or sent out not shave ready by the honer! It is more likely that you dulled it somehow, but not necessarily!

Am I understanding correctly that Lynn includes a little note with the razors he honed? If so, was such hone present when you received the razor? Dovo seals their razor boxes with a small sticker. I'd imagine that Lynn needs to break the seal when he takes the razor out for honing.
Sending the wrong razor, I can understand why you're also in doubt if it received a honing at all.

Nonetheless, it's perfectly normal that straight razor shaving isn't an instant bliss. (For most people it isn't). The general idea is to reduce the whiskers in a number of passes, till completely smooth. For many of us (including myself), the first pass With The Grain (WTG) leaves visual stubble. That's why most guys add passes that go accross and/or against the growth direction. Don't expect to master it all in a few tries. Generally it takes several weeks of practice before you can consistently get decent shaving results. And it takes years to get it really perfect every time. I'm doing this for over a year now, and although I am better shaved than I ever was before, I feel I still have years of improvement to expect.

I would contact the seller, and communicate openly with him. Those guys are known to be extremely forthcoming.

Good luck,
Bart.

Where did you say you ordered that razor from