Hi, I'd really appreciate some suggestions from the group about technique when using different razors.

I've been shaving every day for about a month with a Dovo Best Quality 5/8 full hollow, bought shave ready. My technique is nowhere near world-class but it's getting better every day - better shaves, fewer cuts, less razor burn. I'm happy with the shaves I'm able to achieve and really enjoying this straight razor thing.

The other day I got my Dixie 5/8 back from honing. I gave it a strop as suggested, then tried shaving with it. No cuts, and no razor burn, but I couldn't seem to cut the whiskers as efficiently as with the Dovo. It took a lot more strokes with the Dixie, and after 2 passes there was still a lot of stubble left. I tried again the next day, same result.

The following day (this morning) I shaved with the Dovo, and got a good shave by my standards.

Please don't misunderstand: I'm not blaming the Dixie razor. It's been honed by one of the best in the business and it came to me shave ready. If I'm not getting a good shave with it, I'm doing something wrong. But what?

The only meaningful difference between the two razors is that the Dixie is half hollow while the Dovo is full hollow. Both are 5/8, the Dovo on the wide side and the Dixie on the narrow side. Stropping, face prep, etc. have stayed exactly the same between the two razors.

How much do you adjust your technique to the razor you're using?

Can you suggest where to start looking in my own technique?

Thanks!