First Shave with Dovo from SRD - achieved Zen and then it all came crashing down...

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10-20-2012, 08:04 PM
5cshaves

First Shave with Dovo from SRD - achieved Zen and then it all came crashing down...

Today I experienced for the first time what "shave-ready" really means! After fighting with an old W.R. Case as my first SE, I decided to order a Dovo 5/8 1/4 hollow grind from SRD based on a recommendation I received here on the forum. The difference in shaving was amazing! It was amazing to me how my hairs just popped and the shave was so comfortable due to lack of pressure I needed to apply. During this shave, I got into a great zen-like state which started with a nice hot shower, AOS sandlewood pre-shave oil, AOS sandlewood cream, and AS! I got such a close and smooth shave and no nicks!

Cleaning up however is when my zen state abruptly ended. I was cleaning off the sink counter and fumbled my razor, which crashed down to the tile floor... I was pissed at myself as I don't consider myself to be clumsy. Looking at the blade, looks like the bevel is nicked in two spot :( I tried to capture it in the pic below. Now the question is, should I try to strop this out or should I send it back to SRD and redeeme my free honing coupon? If it's the latter, I didn't expect to need it so quickly. You live you learn :(

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-hvzg...-hvzgD7c-L.jpg
10-20-2012, 08:16 PM
Ryan82

You could try stropping the hell out of that blade, but to my eyes that damage looks like it's beyond the capabilities of a strop. IMO you should redeem your free honing and try to make sure your razor stays away from tile floors from now on. :)

BTW don't worry, it happens. I've had a razor hit the floor too, and to be honest I'd rather it hit the floor (and deal with the damage later) than hit my foot.
10-20-2012, 08:23 PM
Mephisto

I just dropped a razor too. It shappens. Redeem your free honing.
10-20-2012, 08:26 PM
dustoff003

Ouch bro., sorry to see that happen on the first shave. I am happy to hear that you like you new razor and it shaved well. I hope you can get it back in working order soon. I am still waiting on mine to come, knowing Uncle Sam it is probably crossing the Atlantic by ship right now. I can not answer if that will strop out or not. Hang in there!
10-20-2012, 08:37 PM
thebigspendur

I wouldn't waste my time with a strop. That will need to see a hone to repair. If you don't have the experience and gear send it back for a free hone job. I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't some other damage you need some mag to see.
10-20-2012, 08:55 PM
rubicon308

Maybe if you added some CrOx and then stropped the heck out of it... Otherwise just use the coupon and chalk it up to experience... Could've been worse for the blade and your foot!
10-20-2012, 09:35 PM
Prahston

Since you just saved with it and know exactly what it was like... I'd try stropping and then shave with it at least a couple strokes. If it doesn't feel right you'll know for sure. Most likely it needs to be honed but might as well see what you can do with it.

I dropped my first restore... Taking apart the blade went well... Clean-up and polish for blade and scales went well... Pinning/peening went well... Final look before starting to hone was really going well and it slipped outta my hand straight down... I had enough time to think, "Sweet! At least it is falling tang first!", when the tang embedded in my big toe... No more flip-flops while working on razors.

The great thing is that the damage on your razor is fixable! :)
10-20-2012, 10:55 PM
ace

If it were mine, and I've been down that road, I'd shave with it. At the worst, you'll have two dull areas and still get a shave out of it. If it doesn't shave, I'd waste no time stropping and would send it off. Any nick eliminates the bevel that pre-existed. Strops won't re-bevel a razor.
10-20-2012, 11:03 PM
mjsorkin

First Shave with Dovo from SRD - achieved Zen and then it all came crashing down...

Rehone.

Sorry for your misfortune. At least you had a great shave!

Michael
10-20-2012, 11:15 PM
lz6

Another vote for rehone. And as has been pointed out you did get to experience an edge that was truly shave ready.
10-20-2012, 11:57 PM
unit

First Shave with Dovo from SRD - achieved Zen and then it all came crashing down...

I have re honed for less!

Opinions may vary, but as a new shaver, you probably want zero doubts in your mind as you bring that blade to your face/neck.

Start out with the best gear you can get and don't sweat making a few mistakes. Using gear you are unsure of will often lead to doubts when your results suffer (is it you or the gear...or worse yet does the flawed gear cause development of bad habits/technique).

Send it in and contemplate buying a backup for these situations that will crop up from time to time.

Welcome to the club...you are not really learning until you screw some stuff up;)
10-20-2012, 11:58 PM
Skippy

Redeem your coupon. Dropping a razor could happen to any of us. Who knows, I could drop my razor tomorrow :)
10-21-2012, 12:42 AM
celestino

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan82

You could try stropping the hell out of that blade, but to my eyes that damage looks like it's beyond the capabilities of a strop. IMO you should redeem your free honing and try to make sure your razor stays away from tile floors from now on. :)

BTW don't worry, it happens. I've had a razor hit the floor too, and to be honest I'd rather it hit the floor (and deal with the damage later) than hit my foot.

+1 Redeem the coupon. Good luck.
10-21-2012, 02:06 AM
Prahston

Quote:

Originally Posted by unit

...you are not really learning until you screw some stuff up;)

That is quality wisdom worth repeating... Regarding straight razors or, really, any worthwhile endeavor! :D
10-21-2012, 02:33 AM
roughkype

Yeah, don't strop; there might be burrs on the blade that'll scratch up your leather.

Unit's advice to pick up a second blade is good. It doesn't need to be a brand-new one; you can get a good used blade from our Classifieds or one of the Vendors in our vendors section.

Good luck with your blade.
10-22-2012, 03:52 AM
dustoff003

First Shave with Dovo from SRD - achieved Zen and then it all came crashing down...

The last few folks recommend getting a second blade, I know you have your Case. Send them both to Lynn to get them honed? Them you can enjoy the Case and have a two razor rotation.
10-25-2012, 12:17 AM
5cshaves

Thanks for all of the tips and encouragement! I sent both razors in to get honed. This way I'll have two in case this happens in the future. Thanks again everyone!
10-25-2012, 12:29 AM
cpcohen1945

Quote:

Originally Posted by ace

If it were mine, and I've been down that road, I'd shave with it. At the worst, you'll have two dull areas and still get a shave out of it. If it doesn't shave, I'd waste no time stropping and would send it off. Any nick eliminates the bevel that pre-existed. Strops won't re-bevel a razor.

Not quite true. At the worst, you'll have two small recurved sections of edge, that will gouge heck out of your face. And you could damage your strop trying to remove them.

. Charles

PS -- a worthwhile test:

. . . Use the blade to cut a piece of facial tissue. If it cuts cleanly, and evenly, you might be able to hone it back to "sharp". If it tugs and pulls at the damaged sections, it will have to be honed.