Thread: A couple of questions from the new guy

Well - after much reading and watching and being on the receiving end of my share of straight razor shaves, decided to take the leap and and am excited to be learning my new craft.

My tool of choice - Dovo "Special" 5/8. First two shaves have gone quite well with only a couple small nicks that the alum took care of, and a bit of irritation on the neck which has long been a problem spot. Enough babbling...

Questions are -

1. Two small nicks in strop (one at each end). Both are about 1/8" wide along the edge of the strop and are only surface nicks - one does however have a small (very small) flap that exists. Should I do a quick patch with rubber cement, do some work with the sand paper, or how would I best repair my strop? I have read the sections on strop repair, but would like a little more pointed advice aimed at my situation.

2. I have read conflicting information on shaving every day with the same razor. Have read that one should let the blade "rest" for 24-48 hours before shaving with it again - which would indicate that one would need more than one razor - hence the 7-day kits seen. Soooo... Shaving daily with the same razor... Good idea or bad idea?

...as a side note, I figure that I'd like to have a second razor anyway, in the event that I need to send one out for honing, but was more so curious about the potential mistreatment of my new razor by shaving with it daily.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice that you all can offer. I have learned much from this forum before ever beginning my new adventure, and I believe that I have found a ritual that I will be able to look forward to - whereas before, when shaving was mostly a necessary pain in the keester.

Not sure about "strop repair", I don't have any damaged ones.

But I think the "resting" bit is just old wives tales. How much "resting" would a barbers shaver get??? Probably shave 20 in a day. Not much resting there....

Enjoy!!!

1. I cut flaps away and then rub the strop vigorously with pumice stone to smooth it out.

2. Go ahead. As mentioned, it's an old wives' tale.

Also ... more razors is good in my book.

First, rubber cement works great. You only need a little on a toothpick. I'm not a big fan of cutting flaps.

Second, I agree it is an old wives's tale. However, I would have a second razor for several reasons. First, I don't know what your honing situation is, but if you don't hone, you need to have a second one while you send your first out to be honed. Second, I use the a different razor each day because I find myself being more careful. Each razor shaves a little different and this keeps me from getting sloppy.

JMHO

Just a quick thanks for the advice. Looking to buy a couple of new razors and will continue to break in my Dovo in the meanwhile. I'll also look into implementing the rubber cement patch-up tomorrow.