I have been learning straight razor shaving using a Dannyco Magico 112 Shavette (Dannyco - Home Page). I am starting to get a confortable shave with it. I have decided to move on and to buy a real one. I bought a Dovo Silver steel round edge 5/8 , full-hollow razor and i shaved twice with it this week.

My first shave was awfull. First, i am not used to the longer edge. Second, i found that even if the vendor said the razor had been honed on stones (i bought it on the classified ), it seemed that it had problems cutting the whiskers. It was ok just for the sideburns. I could not get a good shave because it felt like it was pulling instead of cutting. I had to complete my shave with the Shavette. My face was so red when i finished, my immediate thought was that the razor was not sharp enough.

I exchanged and email with the seller and he suggested that it might be my technique and to wait after a few more shave to see if i could experiment with the cutting angles and see if i get a better shave.

The second shave was a bit better. I had received my strope and i stroped the razor on the linen (20 times) and then the leather (30 to 40). THis time, i used pre-shave oil to further help. It appeared that it was a bit easier to cut the whiskers. But i found it was harder than the Shavette. The chin is the region i had the most problems with. It seemed it had problems cutting the whiskers. In the end, my face was red and burning, but i managed to have a BBS . At what cost!

Is this normal ? I am tempted to shave with the Shavette next time to see if i have lost the touch of shaving... Then try again the next time with the Dovo.

I am looking for advices. I am thinking this razor may not be sharp enough. I tried the hair test a few times on the Dovo and the Shavette. Everytime, it appeared that the Shavette was quicker to cut the hair. The Dovo blade would cut sharp the hair but it seemed it was pulling or having a problem doing it . I am no expert in doing this test and it may be just me being biased when doing the test.

I do not have hones. I am still undecided on what i will buy. I will be looking for a fast and reliable hone. I have yet to decide between Nawina, Shapton or Norton .. That will be the next question after i have fixed this issue.

Thanks