Hello & Merry Christmas,

Well, I asked for a Stainless DOVO for Christmas. I had not read about it being so much more difficult to obtain a decent edge with Stainless. I got the razor, an imperial russia (Chicago) strop and some Amber Col. Conk's and am very excited. Unfortunately, I thought the blade was shave ready; that it just needed a stropping. I got the stainless because I live in the deep south just of the gulf of Mexico and rust is an issue here.

My waterstones need to be flattened, but I'm waiting to get a granite inspection plate then put some 600grit on top. After I get the 4000 and 8000 stones flat I'll try an' not mess it up. I'm alright with my hand pressure, but use a Veritas blade holder to keep the angle while sharpening my plane blades to a mirror finish. Will pickup a dime store blade to warm up my hone hand so I don't make a mess of that DOVO. Well, I'm going to stropp it and have a go on a small WTG section so that I can try something TODAY!

So for the Questions:

1. Will the Stainless DOVO get sharp enough; is it worth keeping?

2.If it's not up to par should I practice honing, stropping and shaving with it untill I can buy a steel version. Then what is the best daily way to preserve the blade with an oil that won't bother the skin?

3. Do you have any other suggestions (I would prefer not to have to wait even longer while I send it out to be honed and made ready. I will try an find someone local to sharpen and show me the ropes)?


Thanks for putting up such a wonderful site!