Thread: My intro to straight edge shaving

i received a 100 year old Rodgers & Sons straight razor from a friend a few years back. I tried to hone it and noticed that, when run flat on a 1000 grit stone, the edge wasn't even touched by the stone. Apparently, it was honed incorrectly somewhere along the way. Being an amateur knife maker, I re-hollow ground the razor, both sides, until the thin parts were meeting again. I flat honed it on the 1000 grit stone to remove the wire edge and finished with a backwards pull honing on 2000 grit sandpaper on plate glass. My latest shave, this morning, was acceptable, and my face was actually less irritated than it was with a triple blade.

Needless to say, I'm hooked. Now I want to get a dovo, but I see the prices are pretty high. I have no qualms about buying the best, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a middle-of-the -road dovo? I'm pretty sure I don't need mastodon ivory scales, but I don't want anything thats too low quality (if dovo makes such a thing)

I am going to invest in a quality strop, I just thought I would use what materials I had on hand to see if I enjoyed straight razor shaving. I've had a tendency to shave once a month for most of my life due to laziness/sensitive skin. I think with a little practice and patience, my love for blades combined with the challenging lost art of straight razor shaving could keep me looking presentable

Hi! to all the other posters, and thanks for such an interesting web site.
Travis

Hi Travis,

You can't go wrong with just an Imitation Tortoise Dovo either in 5/8 or 6/8. Their Inox blades are pretty good as well and you don't have to spend the money on more expensive scales unless you gots ta has 'em. I also really like the Ebony pike point Dovos and spike point Dovo Bismarcks.

Have fun,

Lynn

I appreciate your response, I see classicshaving has dovos at the lowest prices, but they're closed until January 5th. That'll be here soon enough.

thanks again, I just ordered my DOVO, shave ready from the suggested sight. In the mean time, whilest waiting for the postman, I'll try to gather my other supplies, strop, brush, etc. I already have more hones than you can shake a stick at.

welcome to srp travis great to have you onboard

Shaving off a 1000 grit stone?!
I'm gonna go ahead and say you'll probably notice a liiiiiiittle difference when you put the SRD honed Dovo to your face

Originally Posted by travis789

thanks again, I just ordered my DOVO, shave ready from the suggested sight. In the mean time, whilest waiting for the postman, I'll try to gather my other supplies, strop, brush, etc. I already have more hones than you can shake a stick at.

Well dont keep us waiting.... what one you getting ?


Do keep in mind that you will not have to strop on the first shave. When they send it shave ready it is just that. There will be a light coat of oil on the blade but all you need to do is rinse it off and your good to go. As for the second shave and there on you will need to storp.

Congrats

Originally Posted by travis789

i received a 100 year old Rodgers & Sons straight razor from a friend a few years back. I tried to hone it and noticed that, when run flat on a 1000 grit stone, the edge wasn't even touched by the stone. Apparently, it was honed incorrectly somewhere along the way. Being an amateur knife maker, I re-hollow ground the razor, both sides, until the thin parts were meeting again. I flat honed it on the 1000 grit stone to remove the wire edge and finished with a backwards pull honing on 2000 grit sandpaper on plate glass. My latest shave, this morning, was acceptable, and my face was actually less irritated than it was with a triple blade.

Needless to say, I'm hooked. Now I want to get a dovo, but I see the prices are pretty high. I have no qualms about buying the best, but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a middle-of-the -road dovo? I'm pretty sure I don't need mastodon ivory scales, but I don't want anything thats too low quality (if dovo makes such a thing)

I am going to invest in a quality strop, I just thought I would use what materials I had on hand to see if I enjoyed straight razor shaving. I've had a tendency to shave once a month for most of my life due to laziness/sensitive skin. I think with a little practice and patience, my love for blades combined with the challenging lost art of straight razor shaving could keep me looking presentable

Hi! to all the other posters, and thanks for such an interesting web site.
Travis

Ive had quite alot of Dovo's over the years & my own personal recommendation would be the entry level Super Bismark 5/8 half hollow .I got one of these earlier in the year when I bought my Bergisher Lowe 5/8 from Trumpers Here in the U.K. ,it was bought as a cheap travelling razor after I sold off most of my collection.I have quite a tough fast growing beard that lies very close to the skin when it grows.& Ive found that the Half hollow seems to be an excellent compromise between a full hollow & a wedge.
Its been my daily shaver for about the last 3 months so much so that my other blades are not seeing much use.
Its not the prettiest razor I've owned but it has become My favorite.
The only thing ive found is that after a week of shaves it performs better if I give it a few laps on my Spyderco Ultrafine Hone ,then its good for another week. I hope this helps Paul

Originally Posted by stolenmirth

Shaving off a 1000 grit stone?!
I'm gonna go ahead and say you'll probably notice a liiiiiiittle difference when you put the SRD honed Dovo to your face

<a href="IMGA1943.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting" target="_blank"><img src="http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...7/IMGA1943.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Here's the one I started with, Rodgers and Sons, cutlers to their majesties Norfolk St.
After I hollow ground it, I finished with 2000 grit sandpaper on plate glass and 'stropped' the edge the poor man's way, with the ball of my thumb (dangerous, I know, but I've been working on knives a long time) I know there will be a world of difference, but my techniques gave me a general idea about what shaving with a straight would be like

Originally Posted by Earthdawn

Well dont keep us waiting.... what one you getting ?


Do keep in mind that you will not have to strop on the first shave. When they send it shave ready it is just that. There will be a light coat of oil on the blade but all you need to do is rinse it off and your good to go. As for the second shave and there on you will need to storp.

Congrats

Professionally Sharpened Dovo Imitation Tortoise Shell, 6/8" (170106)
as per recommendation. I didn't import a picture in here yet, but I'll sure post one when it gets here!
Thanks for all your help