Thread: First Dovo straight razor purchased!

Ok, I'm sure this has been asked 1000 times, so don't slam me, but I've gotta ask for myself. I decided not to give into the outrageous prices that Gillette charges for their replacement blades and try transitioning to a straight razor. I purchased a nice Dovo from Art of Shaving along with a small strop and shaving oil. Their guide said that the razor is shave ready and doesn't need to be stropped before first use. I went through the proper pre-shave ritual, and then attempted to start shaving. I pulled my skin tight, put the blade at the proper angle, applied a little pressure, and started pushing downwards. The blade wouldn't even move because it was pulling so hard against my stubble. I tried a few more times without success and then decided to try stropping the blade. I did that, and it cut a little smoother, but I was still only able to do my cheeks. So my question is, does a brand new Dovo blade need to be honed? I've read on some other threads that most of you believe there really is no blade that is 'ready to shave' out of the box. Please let me know your thoughts, and sorry for the novel!

First off, welcome to SRP. Second, getting just the cheeks on your first ever straight shave is a good start. Third, I would find a honemeister in your area and have that blade done properly.

Take it slow, don't rush it. Check out the wiki and the beginners threads, where you will find a great store of invaluable information.

You are on the cusp of a great journey. Be ready to enjoy it and open your mind.

Cheers,

Jack

Yes, a brand new Dovo needs honing for sure.

It's rare to find a straight razor shave ready out of the box. The last time I came across that was with Filarmonica razors. They truly were shave ready out of the box, Dovo, on the other hand usually needs some touching up.
It would be worth your while to send it out, and have it done properly.

There is a learning curve shaving with straight razors, so it takes a bit of practice to get proficient at it.
Having the blade truly shave ready, will rule out any doubt in your mind.

I don't know about Dovo straight razors in general, having owned only one but my stainless #41 with the Pearlex plastic scales shaved satisfactorily right out of the box. It did improve, however over the next week or so with stropping on my Illinois 361 canvas and leather dual strop. I have shaved with it on average about four times a week for the last year and a half and have never touched it to a stone.

Welcome
I bought a Dovo from AOS back in July and after stropping got a great shave right out of the box. I use it about once a week and it still gives me a close shave today. Maybe I just got lucky. If it's not giving you a close shave have it honed. Then you'll know what a close shave is.

Hello ScrewGillette,
Welcome to Straight Razor Place. As some of these gentlemen have suggested, send the razor to a hone master and start on the right foot with a truly "shave-ready" razor. In my experience, most razors with a factory edge are not quite shave ready.

My dovo, purchased this week, seems to have exactly the same problem. But then again it could be my style or lack of it. I'm going to send mine away for a hone so at least can eliminate the sharpness issue. At least I'm not the only one by
sounds of it.