I've read all the threads I can find on "coarse hair" and "heavy beard." Nobody ever provides any conclusions, it's like they ask, get answered, and disappear. Maybe they cut their throats, never to be heard from again. I'll see this thread through. It'll either end up happily ever after, or I'll settle for the mediocre results, or I'll have an over-priced box opener.

I ordered a no-name straight from the SRP Classifieds. I stropped it, maybe inadvertently ruined it in the process. It took some hair off my sideburns, but dragged and snagged my goatee area. I got the same results several times. I suspected the blade was good, but my face hair is too thick, so I try it on my arms and the dang thing was smooth and effortless.

I ordered a new Dovo from SRD, pro honed and everything in the hopes it would provide satisfactory results on my face. I stropped it, maybe even ruined the edge in the process (I'm a slow learner). Gave it a try several times over a week when I wasn't in a rush to get out of the house, stropped every time. The Dovo looked and sounded purdier but barely gave better results. The sideburns and cheeks are OK, it looks like I shaved maybe a while ago, but the goatee area gets snagged and dragged. I don't push it, I patiently re-lather and try different angles over and over like a crazed and obsessed shaving maniac. I thought to myself, maybe my facial hair is too thick for this blade, so I tried areas of my legs that won't show when I wear clothes, and it was effortless. It was so fun, I was tempted to keep going but I don't want people to ask questions about my legs.

My prep routine is to run the blade on linen a few times, then 15 laps on the leather. I take a shower, oil the beard with Musgo REal brand, boar brush lather with either Dr. Bronner's or that cheap shaving soap at drug stores.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks ya'll.

Souriya