First Time Shaving Problems

Hi all,

I'm definitely new to straight razor shaving and after much research and enthusiasm I bought a 5/8 Dovo Best Quality from Straight Razor Designs as well as one of their beginner custom strops. The razor was said to come shave ready but when I received it I tried the hanging hair test and it didn't even grip the hair but I do know that the test isn't any guarantee so I tried shaving with it anyway. At first since I am a beginner I just tried the sideburn to jaw with small strokes and as small an angle as I could; the razor cut the hair but it pulled a whole lot and was anything but "smooth". I tried stropping about 50 times but the result was the same. After much frustration and being unable to shave I bought a Norton 4k/8k stone, flattened it with a granite tile and 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and did about 40 of the lightest possible passes on the 4k and the same amount on the 8k. After stropping it it still had the same effect for the hanging hair test and the same effect when I shaved. I'm really at a loss and since I'm so new I have no idea what to do, help me Straight Razor Place, you're my only hope...

Luckily Lynn still does free re-hones, I believe. I doubt if it was the razor, but more than likely your technique. You stated that you kept the razor at the lowest angle possible, truthfully the spine of the razor should be about a spine width from your face. A straight is not like a disposable razor, the correct angle being manufactured into the device, a straight needs to be held, manuevered and manipulated at the correct angle by you. This takes skill which takes practice.

My advice would be to ship the razor back to Lynn and let him re hone it while you are re thinking your next strategy. I am not trying to rain on your parade, I am just telling you what I know from experience. Be patient and have fun!

Yeah, I agree. This is a fairly common theme with new guys. The razor doesn't perform well, so it's assumed to be less than sufficiently sharp.

Your shave will only be as good as it's weakest component.

Bad lather=Bad shave
Dull razor=Bad shave
Poor technique=Bad shave

Being new, there's a pretty decent shot at having 2 of the above situations, and I doubt seriously the razor is the issue.

However, since, you spent a little time on the Nortons, I think you should send it back for a rehone. Enjoy the journey because the fun and frustration of learning is good stuff... then the good shaves are the better stuff :gl:

Thanks for the quick replies, yeah, I agree that I was probably a little quick to jump to a honing stone but at least I have one now for later use haha

I also have extremely sensitive skin(I can't even shave with other razors without burn) and very thick hair so I'm wondering if maybe the pull is because of my thick hair as well? Either way I'll probably send it back to get rehoned and I'll just work on my technique.