I got a Dovo Classic Black 5/8 for christmas along with a strop, soap, and brush. The razor didn't come pre-honed and it only did a mediocre job on shaving my face. Lots of tugging and a scraping sound as it passed over my whiskers. I'm going to have to send it in.

On the up-side, this is the first time I have ever even held a straight in my hands (let alone use one), but I managed to not cut myself with it while using it. I did nick my face with it while fumbling to figure out the grip and get it in position for shaving but was pleased that I didn't cut myself once I actually started using it.

Any general advice for me just starting out?

Merry Christmas,

Raklet