So I'm writing this less than 2 minutes after completing my second shave with a straight razor. Just a few days ago I went out and purchased a Dovo 5/8 Mother of Pearl along with a strop, and all my pre and after shaving creams.

Unfortunately I can't speak highly of the experience at all. I think this is all going to come down to the sharpness of the blade but please let me know if you think it is something else as you read through this. I purchased the blade from an Australian store called "Shaver Shop" and I don't believe they pre-honed it so that's what causes this suspicion. A honing block is the only tool I don't have right now.

Anyway, down to the shave.

I had a great relaxing shower to start off with, got out and started off with a Proraso pre-shaving cream. I got my razor out and gave it about 20 runs on the Strop.

Then I followed on applying a good lather (it even felt good) using an old-school shaving cream with my badger brush, this was kind of relaxing and probably the most calming part of the shave.

Then I got out the blade and away I went. Starting with my cheeks and then moving to my neck, followed by under my lip (don't do my chin as I keep somewhat of a goatee) and then moustache. I did my best to maintain a 30 degree angle all of the time, which I believe I did a good job of, but seemed to get quite a bit of friction on my face. Especially when I was doing above my chin and moustache, I found it hard to move the razor, even WTG and that resulted in a couple of small nicks, nothing big but still unwanted.

I was persistant enough to go for a second pass and it really didn't help anything, there are still spots that I either missed or just didn't seem to shave well at all.

What do you think would have been the main cause of this? Like I said before, I think I need a honing block. If anyone knows of a good place in Australia to get one of these, the information will be greatly appreciated.

Of course, if you think it's something else, please let me know. My face is now slightly red and stings quite a bit. I know, I know, I should have stopped while I was ahead but I thought the more practise the better.

Cheers in advance.
Todd