Another beginner's Questions

I've been using a Dovo Special, honed by Lynn, for a few weeks. I am stropping on a SRD paddle with premium leather, 50 strokes preshave. Prep is shower, face wash and then Art of Shaving lather with best badger brush (this gives me a great DE shave). I had to back track after a few over enthusiastic shaves and can now do cheeks and neck WTG with little or no nicks, occasional a little burn but usually not. I am removing whiskers but the shave is not very close and always requires a good bit of touch up with DE.
After reading so many posts here I didn't think I would be asking this question, but..... Do I just need to be more patient and persistent as my technique gets better, or should I start to use the 0.25 or 0.5 micron diamond spray on felt to refresh the blade, or more drastically send the blade back for another hone?
Thanks!

You kind of answered your own question there...lol...patient and persistent:) Theres a learning curve but its worth it. Just really pay attention to your blade angle and a light touch and it will all come together in time.

It takes time to learn how to use a Str8. For me, little by little. Sometimes I can get the bbs shave I want. Other times I finish with my DE. Another member put it so well when he wrote "Respect the Lady (Blade)". Do not make her/it do what it doesn't want to do today. There is always tomorrow. In the mean time, have fun with this and welcome to the path we all travel.:beer1:

Be patient...make sure you have your stropping technique down. bad stropping can degrade a perfectly good edge. Another advice would be to avoid reaching for your DE for touch ups...that's almost like cheating. Force yourself to exclusively use the straight...faster learning curve. it will pay off

I am a newbie and feel just like you. I can't get that bbs shave that everybody talks about either. I also reach for another razor sometimes for touch up (and yes this makes me feel like a cheater too... :nono:). Still, we'll get there one of these days. After all, we are learning to shave all over again. Also, how do you like that paddle strop? I'm thinking about getting that same one.

Thanks all for the responses and encouragement.
The paddle strop is quite elegant and versatile. I am going to get a hanging strop but the paddle is easy to use and get the hang of the stropping. I like the idea of the diamond sprays.

Hello, Papertiger:

As the other gentlemen have noted, take your time to hone your skill with the straight razor. Whatever you do, don't push the razor; she does not like to be pushed. Throw the clock away and focus on what you are doing. Watch your angle and razor pressure. Try to chart the coarse of your beard and shave to accommodate its growth pattern. Also, don't worry about getting a great shave for now. That will come in time.

Regards,

Obie