So I took a STR8 class at fsc barbers in NYC. Great info, fun instruction, got most of a shave, and a freebie STR8 and pack of disposables, yes it takes replacable. STR8 shaving is great, now I want a real razor. I've been looking at the classifieds, SRD, CS, vintageblades, rup's etc. I'm lucky enough to be in NYC so I went to check out the TI blades at AOS and some Dovo's at the new york shaving company.

I found the AOS TI awkward to hold, the tang had a flat grippy (sorry my newbie term, do I mean beveled?) thumb side but a smooth and rounded finger (top) side. And the balance was all off for the wooden (lighter handle), but ok for the black.
The Dovo tortoise on the other hand is flat and grippy on both top and bottom of the tang. I felt much more comfortable with this and had a firmer grip (but that's not necessarily a good thing?). I also liked the balance.

So the questions come from actually feeling these razors;
I liked the Dovo, should I go with my gut, or am I misreading my novice approach assessing these STR8s?
If I like the 2 flat sided grippy (yeah sorry) Dovo, what other razors have a tang like this? I noticed that not all Dovo's do.

And one more thing, sharpening. If I only shave twice maybe three times a week. Did I read somewhere that one sharpening per year is reasonable?

Thanks in advance, M