Hi, guys. Been lurking for a while, and finally thought I'd introduce myself.
I tried several years ago to shave with a straight razor, but the one I bought at the mall wasn't anywhere near shave-ready. I got frustrated enough to give the thing away. In retrospect, being that it was a Dovo, I wish I had kept it.
Anyway, for the past few years I've been using cartridge razors. I went from a Mach 3 to whatever the 5 bladed thing is called. The whole time I hated the smell and results I got from Gillette's aftershaves and gels. And it's funny, but the more blades my razor had, the worse the results seemed to be.
Then about a month ago, I decided to try a straight razor again. I kept reading about the smoothness I was missing while using multiblades. I ordered one from Vintage Blades that had been honed by Lynn Abrams. The second time I used it I got it just right and there was the smoothness. I gave away the 5 bladed monstrosity and haven't looked back.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a second straight, A Dovo Ebony Spike Point, also honed by Mr. Abrams. It took me exactly one shave to discover why it's called that. And I have a nice scar on my jawline from it. But it gives me what is hands-down the best shave I have ever had.
Anyway, I look forward to participating in this forum. There's lots of great info here.
And PS- thanks to Mr. Abrams. I only wish I had known about having the blades honed when I bought the first one. I would've saved myself a small fortune and would have had better shaves in the meantime.
