Thread: Newbie, blades, quality question

Hi,

nearly a year ago I got my birthday present, a Dovo Solingen model 1516, I started using it but I do not know if it's my face shape or abilties but I cannot get a "perfect" shave as I have with my desechable 5 blade guillette.

Some months later I inherited my grandpa Guillermo Hope Solingen model 14, it is a 60s blade in good condition, in fact after using the razor-strop I think that it is in a shape comparable to the Dovo.

Finally I was able to buy a C.V. Heljestrand number 29, it was a 60s blade, unused, that I bougth in Paris. This is an smaller blade but I felt that the shaving with it was better.

Obviously my skills need a lot of improving but I am guessing if the Dovo Solingen was a quality blade or should I invest in something better. I also welcome any newbie advice.

Regards,
Juan

Are you sure any of these razors are shave ready? The Shave Ready Razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki should be a good starting point. If unsure, I recommend that you pick a professional honing service from the Classifieds.

Don't worry the Dovo is a quality razor and should give you great shaves. If its not consider either a sharpness issue or a skill issue.

Dovo has a good reputation so I would look to other reasons the blade is not performing well. Then again it is possible you got yourself a lemon for a razor.

dovo makes a quality blade send them to a honemeister and work on your technique great shaves dont happen overnite but it is a fun road to go down and welcome to srp

G'day & welcome Juan.
There are a lot of components to a good shave but start with the advice so far.
The rest will follow.

Pick out one of your razors and send it off for a sure thing sharpening. A good place to start is one of the honing folks listed in classifieds/member services. You probably don’t have a shave ready blade even if the razor is brand spanking new. You are beating a dead horse from that perspective. Be sure and get a strop, you need one no matter what. Read up her on shave processes and skills while you wait for the blade to get back to you. There is a learning curve, but it’s not too bad and you will have fun along the way.

Thanks a lot, guys, I am the only person I know (in person) who uses a straight razor so I had doubts on every topic. I will look for the honing job altough I probably won't be lucky in Spain.

Juan