Thread: Second guessing after second shave...

Stroping will take some time read up on technique in the forum and watch some of the member videos and take your time and learn the right way to do it their is no time limit on how fast you learn it after all it's easier to learn it the right way then to try to go back and try to unlearn the wrong way of doing it. Mostly just take you time go slow and work on technique then add the speed people tend to try to go to fast from the start and then wonder what happened

Ok will do! Thanks

Originally Posted by Rossi89

Just purchased the Dovo "silver steel" straight razor and strop set from Straight Razor Desigs. I hope this will last me a long time!

unless if you smack it against the sink, it should outlast you and your offspring!

Haha that is good to hear!

Originally Posted by Rossi89

Hey everyone,

I purchased a Dovo Shavette with the interchangeable blades a few days ago to try out straight razor shaving. Although I do enjoy this hobby very much, I am thinking that I should have just went with a real straight razor. After doing some reading, it seems like most have an easier time and less irritation shaving with a real straight razor. I know that I am just a beginner and have a lot to learn, but I just wanted some opinions on whether I should toss the shavette and get the real thing to learn with? If so, what are some recommendations on a good starting straight razor at a decent price (under $100). What else do I need to purchase to maintain the sharpness of the razor?

A straight, is more forgiving than a shavette. However if you can shave with a disposable, there shouldnt be a straight that will challenge you, on the other hand you could shave with a straight and the disposable can still challenge you. It will be harder to learn with a disposable, or to put it better a disposable will show all your faulty techniques, where a straight might be able to conceal them. You already have the disposable, it is possible to get a good shave with one or barbers wouldnt use them, I would try to conquer the disposable. That being said, if you can afford a true straight, buy one it is alot more forgiving. But dont think that it is your equipments fault, think about it, every time you change you blade in a disposable, it is shave ready, the only one at fault is you and your technique.

I purchased the dovo silver steel only to find out that it is out of stock. I can't find this razor on any other site either. Can someone recommend another nice straight razor that compares with the silver steel?

The dovo best quality is a great razor. I have a dovo best quality, dovo astral, dovo inox, and a dovo perlex stainless.

All of them shave great!!

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Rossi89

All of the above. I have tons of irritation and the shave feels uncomfortable. I know this is common with beginners, but I just think a straight razor would be better in the long run. The shavette just doesn't feel like a well built razor.

Okay then, ditch the shavette and go for a straight razor!

As for a razor, some good advice as already been dispensed. Any entry level Dovo is a good bet. I already mentioned a vintage razor from the SRP classifieds, which would be a fine choice as well. It's up to you.

A few contributors have already briefly mentioned proper beard preparation, and I want to encourage you in that area as well. Maybe you already understand this, but I am still within my first year of wet shaving and I am learning more and more how much of a difference good preparation makes. I would encourage you to experiment to see what works best for you. But for me some of the keys to a more comfortable, smooth shave have been keeping my face wet and the lather warm, re-wetting and re-lathering my whole face after shaving each zone (i.e. right cheek--left cheek--right neck--left neck), using a little pre-shave oil, and putting 4-5 drops of glycerin in the lather. There are other things that could be mentioned, but beard prep will go a long way in making the shave a more comfortable and satisfying experience.
One more thing I would add. Focusing on maintaining a very light touch for all passes--more than you would think--greatly reduces the amount of irritation you will experience.
Keep pressing on! It will get better and better. It is for me and I'm sure it will for you also.

thanks everyone for the help!