From shavette to a shave

My new razor arrived yesterday morning.

I've been using a shavette with simple Wilkinson Sword flat blades since I was 19. I never really rated the hacking action of disposable blades and couldn't stomach the price - I'm originally from North Yorkshire and have lived Scotland for the last 10 years! It took a while to learn, but I've generally been happy with the quality of the shave and have found it to be a very satisfying experience.

This month (now aged 27), I decided to go the whole hog and upgrade to a Dovo Schlossburg. Using all the same stuff as I did with the shavette (Kent pure badger brush, Proraso white tub soap, alum block, Nivea balm) I acheived a reasonable result this morning. I did remain a little rough and tender beneath the jaw line and there was a little pulling at points. I assume this will improve over time? The width of the blade took a little getting used to and it does feel heavier than the shavette. I hated the square corner on the Wilkinson blade and was glad I'd bought a round cornered Dovo.

Stropping is new to me. How long will it take to get comfortable and quick at it? I bought a relatively inexpensive tensioned paddle strop. The width of the strop is approximately half that of the blade - should I use a diagonal stroke, or do each half seperately? If the strop is short, does that mean that I will need to use more strokes to keep the balde sharp enough? I don't yet own a honing stone and don't know of any business in Edinburgh who can do any honing for me. Will I need one? How often would I need to use one? Could I use the same stone for kitchen knives, or is that a totally different thing?

Thanks in advance,
James

Well... A few weeks on, there are no regrets about my new purchase. I'm sure it's no surprise to any of you!

The shave beneath the jaw line is dramatically improved. The razor is a little more comfortable to handle, now that I'm used to the weight and feel of it. Stropping has come naturally for the moment, though I do sometimes feel that it needs a few extra strokes mid-shave. I haven't nicked/cut my face at all with the new traditional straight razor, where the shavette was very unforgiving on spots and coarser bristles :tameshigiri: All round, its a much more comfortable and pleasurable experience.

James