First shave using an srd sharpened razor....excellent results!

I had originally purchased a Thiers Issard from The Art of Shaving and was told it was ready to shave with. My first experience was horrible...the razor was just pulling on hairs and not cutting anything. I had to finish with a fusion razor and was left with bumps all over which I still have a week later. So after that, I ordered a Dovo from straightrazordesigns along with a paddle strop and DVD.
I used the Dovo today and it shaved so smoothly. I only did a couple passes and no ATG this time since I wanted to get used to it first and since my sensitive skin was already irritated. I am so impressed with their razor and especially the way the had it pre-sharpened for me. I sent in my other razor to be sharpened as well. I can't wait until my next shave!

Congrats on the shave! It is nice to have so man fellow beginners on SRP. I love my Dovo Astrale... it cuts clean and strops easily. FUN!!!

AOS has nice creams and such, but I think they only sell str8s for the gravitas. They can't really support them post sale. It'll be cool to have a Dovo and a TI to compare.

Is the Astrale shoulderless?

That paddle strop is a great product. I keep the felt pads on it full-time, one with 0.5u diamond and the other with CrOx. When I pack it for travel I swap out a felt for the smooth leather.

I'm sure you guys have already heard it, but I'll repeat... Welcome to SRP!

Glad you discovered SRD. They are a class act. I have five razors honed by Lynn and his edge is always fantastic.

I am excited that things are now working in your favor. Let us know how your TI shaves when you get it back. My favorite razor is a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot.

Happy Shaving!
:)

I'll definitely keep everyone posted when I get the TI back. I kind of regret ordering my first paddle strop because now I want the modular one that lets me put the felt pads on it so I could use CrOx on it. I'm about to order the Norton set (220/1000/4000/8000/flattener) and figured I need a finisher stone, but don't want to get a 30,000 grit stone and just use the spray instead. I guess having two paddle stops would be okay.

Imwas at AOS is Dallas today, and picked up a straight, I asked if it was shave ready, the kid said yes, but like any factory edge it could be improved.

I took it that they are not..........

/picked up = in my hand, I didn't buy it.