Unfortunately, I'm another one of those suckers that fell for the Zeepk trap. Was gifted the 7 piece set for x-mas, and like I'm sure you've all heard before, got two letter openers and a heap of other junk instead.

So, went ahead and got a Dovo Classic 6/8 from classicshaving, a Straight Razor Designs 2" Red Latigo Strop w/ Webbed Fabric, and a 4/8000 Norton stone. I was so excited when they came in that I immediately stropped up the razor and went to town on my face. Other than absent-mindedly touching the very edge to my cheek at one point (lesson learned!), I didn't suffer any other casualties, other than slight razor burn, on par with what I got from usual shaving. It wasn't the cleanest shave, but I figured I would get better with practice.

Well, I went to shave again today (two days later) and it seemed harder this time. Quite a few nicks, and more severe razor burn. I'm not sure if it's sharp enough, or if my technique is just that off. As you lovely folk weren't in the bathroom with me, you'd be hard pressed to answer that second part though (no doubt I do have plenty of room to improve). My hopes are that I really just am a noob and need to learn to do it right.

My question, to cover the other variable, is whether or not my razor is shave ready or if it needs a good honing. Classicshaving advertised it as "Pre-sharpened"; does anyone have experience with razors from them and whether or not this means shave-ready to you?

Question number two is: If it needs more sharpening, should I try giving the stone a shot? I've been practicing stropping and honing with my zeepks, and I've gotten them from Greek strigil to slightly better than pocketknife sharp. I'm pretty good with details and a light touch (painter by profession), but I just can't tell if I should make the jump. I'd rather not send it out to be sharpened; I'd like to be able to do this myself as I got into straight razors for the sake or self-sustainability. At the same time, I don't want to own three dull metal sticks. Anyone have similar beginning stories? How worried should I be about ruining my Dovo?