Thread: I think I'm in need of a honing

I had the worst shave yet this morning...I had a couple of nicks, took three passes, still couldn't get smooth, and my neck is irritated as hell. Not sure if it was a stropping issue (I would think not since I haven't had one since I started back in November or so), but I think my razor may be in need of a honing. It was on a couple days growth, but usually any other time I go that long I never have any problems. Opinions?

Originally Posted by wolfmanXIII

I had the worst shave yet this morning...I had a couple of nicks, took three passes, still couldn't get smooth, and my neck is irritated as hell. Not sure if it was a stropping issue (I would think not since I haven't had one since I started back in November or so), but I think my razor may be in need of a honing. It was on a couple days growth, but usually any other time I go that long I never have any problems. Opinions?

How long have you been shaving with it?

Note, the long hair should have nothing to do with it--- that's one of the great things about the straight-- nothing can "clog" the razor...

Can you clarify your comment about stropping? Did you recently get a strop and just start using it? Or are you saying you've been using a strop since November without any issues?

-Chief

First,
did you purchase this razor as shave ready from a reputable vendor/ classifieds?
Second, how long have you used it for since you bought it?
The issue depending on the above questions could be the razor was not shave ready, was not stropped properly, or its just time to refresh the edge/hone it.
Refreshing the edge can be done on CrO strop, Diamond spray strop, barbers hone, or another polishing stone. It is also possible that the razor indeed needs proper honing.

It could be the edge. I'm guessing you've been having good shaves up till now?

Basically there are four things you need to think about: The razor, stropping, prep and technique.

If you're happy with your stropping, prep and technique, and you can honestly say to yourself that they were all good, then the only thing left is the razor.

If you've been getting good results up till now, and you're happy with stropping, the prep and your technique and the shave has deteriorated over the last couple of shaves then its time to bring out a pasted strop, barber hone or other high grit stone or send it out to be honed.

Good luck!

Wow thanks for the quick replies fellas.

I'll try and get all your questions in one reply so here goes:
It is one of a pair of Dovo Best Quality razors that I got from Lynn from SRD so I know it was shave ready. I've been shaving with these since about the end of November-beginning of December. I haven't noticed any variation in stropping, prep, or technique (other than maybe some improvement) that I think would be causing it. I used to have some trouble with stropping, but am very particular about that so if it is a stropping issue I'm unsure how it would have taken this long to affect my shaves. I have been using the same strop since I started, which is one of the ones from SRD as well. My last shave was great, no irritation or anything, but that was with the other Dovo that I got right before this one from the same place, which I find odd since I've been using that one a little bit longer than the one I'm having trouble with. I may give it one more try with less growth (I was experiencing some pulling from the razor, but again it was a couple days growth and my hair is like steel wool and I understand I wouldn't clog the razor, but have had that problem with feather blades before in my "barber str8" when I've allowed too much time between shaves), but after that I think I'll be sending it in for honing. Luckily when I bought the razors I got them during the free honing for life promotion from SRD, I just didn't want to send it in if it wasn't necessary.

oh yeah, one more thing to answer stubear's question. Yes, I have been getting good shaves out of it until now. Well other than when I first started before I got proper technique down. One thing that doesn't help much with that though is that I usually keep some type of beard or mustache and I'm changing it slightly all the time. Went from full beard recently (with neck and upper cheeks shaved of course) to goatee with mustache, and recently let my sideburns grow down to my jaw line and kept the goatee and mustache, but I don't think that would be causing an issue since I had less problems in that area than the rest of my face and neck.

well there is no question about the shave readiness of the razor then, to me looks like it needs a touch up. You can try CrO strop, Diamond spray, Barber's hone high grit polishing stone. If those are not available send it out to a honemeister for a touch up. When I got my Dovo from SRD they also sent me a coupon for one free honing, if you have that use it.

If you get the modular paddle with the diamond spray and some chrome-ox you'll be able to extend the time between honings. Cool to have the honing for life option. The fine print is that the free honing is for as long as Lynn and Don live ..... not you.

Originally Posted by mainaman

well there is no question about the shave readiness of the razor then, to me looks like it needs a touch up. You can try CrO strop, Diamond spray, Barber's hone high grit polishing stone. If those are not available send it out to a honemeister for a touch up. When I got my Dovo from SRD they also sent me a coupon for one free honing, if you have that use it.

What is this CrO strop you speak of? I've never heard of it.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you get the modular paddle with the diamond spray and some chrome-ox you'll be able to extend the time between honings. Cool to have the honing for life option. The fine print is that the free honing is for as long as Lynn and Don live ..... not you.

Good point Jim, it's also limited to as long as you own the razor according to some people I've talked to. So if I pass it on to someone else before Lynn or Don kick we're still outta luck. I think it's settled then, I need to take my razors to the grave, and Lynn and Don need to live forever.