Thread: Good shave with disposable but not my Dovo?

So I've been getting into straight razors lately, so I got a disposable a few months back to get the technique down before I buy a real one. Shaped just like a real one as well. So I get good with it and decide to get a Dovo. I get it in the mail and use it for almost a week now. I strop it like I'm suppose to, I use short quick strokes in the direction everyone says to at a good angle. I use a good shave gel. I got it from one of the popular and reputable dealers on line here that hones it for you so you know it's really sharp. Plus I've been into knifes since I was a kid so it's not like it's even the first blade I've ever owned or anything.

Yet when I use it, yeah it takes off some hair but it still feels like I haven't hardly shaved at all. Then when I go to use my cheep disposable that's had the same razor on there for at least 3-4 shaves with no stropping, it shaves me clean. Am I doing something wrong or do you guys think it's the razor or what?? It's killing me. Is there that much of a difference between good razors and disposables? I wanted a good vintage but I didn't know what to look for. Assistance would be very nice. I want to get into straight razors but this is killing me.

so i know im a n3wb but You probably need to get it honed dude, i would suggest keep up with the disposable and ask around for a honemeister, many of them will do it for free if u pay for shipping

If you read the post, I stated that it came professionally honed already.

The biggest problem people have when transitioning from a disposable to a real straight razor is thinking it will be no different and taking on the whole face. With the disposable, you can get a shave with as much as a 45 degree angle on the blade and the blade itself is not as wide as the real straight. Most people think their angle of attack is OK, but they really need to make sure they are keeping the razor more vertical at a 30 degree angle or less. This is not much more than a spine width away from the face. I normally recommend stropping the razor 40-60 times on the leather and just taking on from one sideburn to the jaw on the one side only. Short little strokes, light pressure and then longer clean up strokes. It may take a few days to get comfortable. With practice and then you can move on to other parts of the face learning the feel of the straight razor and the differences from the disposable as you go. There usually is a short learning curve for most.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by SmoothasJazz

If you read the post, I stated that it came professionally honed already.

I read the post, but it sounds to me like we can rule out your shaving technique since you get good results with a shavette (straight razor using disposable blades), right?


The only reasonable explanation I can think of, is that there is something about the edge that is causing the difference...

Perhaps your stropping is not as good as you think and that has compromised the edge? There has to be an explanation and I am inclined to think it is not your shaving technique if you agree with my first statement.

The EASIEST way to test this theory is to have it honed again, and when it is returned shave ready, shave with it without exposing the edge to anything else. Sound like a reasonable test?

EDIT
Or what Lynn said

Originally Posted by SmoothasJazz

So I've been getting into straight razors lately, so I got a disposable a few months back to get the technique down before I buy a real one. Shaped just like a real one as well. So I get good with it and decide to get a Dovo. I get it in the mail and use it for almost a week now. I strop it like I'm suppose to, I use short quick strokes in the direction everyone says to at a good angle. I use a good shave gel. I got it from one of the popular and reputable dealers on line here that hones it for you so you know it's really sharp. Plus I've been into knifes since I was a kid so it's not like it's even the first blade I've ever owned or anything.

Yet when I use it, yeah it takes off some hair but it still feels like I haven't hardly shaved at all. Then when I go to use my cheep disposable that's had the same razor on there for at least 3-4 shaves with no stropping, it shaves me clean. Am I doing something wrong or do you guys think it's the razor or what?? It's killing me. Is there that much of a difference between good razors and disposables? I wanted a good vintage but I didn't know what to look for. Assistance would be very nice. I want to get into straight razors but this is killing me.

The quality of your razor should not be an issue. Even the bottom of the line Dovo is going to be able to provide a real nice shave. That being said, I wouldn't question the razor itself. So scratch that off the list. Although you paid for a professionally honed razor, I can attest from experience that in spite of what you paid for, you may not have gotten it. I too bought a Dovo and it was NOT shave ready as promised. So the edge of you razor might still be in question in spite of having spent good money for a good edge. Give it a real simple test just to see if its capable of cutting hair. Run the blade over the hair of your arm about 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch above the skins surface with the blade about at a 30 degree angle. It should grab the standing hairs and cut them. If its just pushing them around, its probably not sharp enough. This is not a definitive test but it may give you some feedback as to where the edge is at.

The second thing I will let you know is that Lynn is understating his own good advice when he recommends that you only shave one side burn your first go at it. I took him up on this advice when I started. The learning curve with a straight is a bit long compared to other methods. That's not to say that its not worth it, but be prepared to invest some time. You have the rest of your life so no worries about rushing it right. Your disposable covers less surface area on your face, has a different handle that you're already used to, and is far less likely to cause injury. All of these factors are coming into play as you attempt your first few shaves. You're probably wondering, why bother right? You'll find that your first many shaves will not be as good as your disposable. Do as Lynn suggests and use BOTH razors during your transition period. He's recommending that you shave the side of your face for one simple reason, its relatively flat and free of obstacles. Other areas of your face (mainly your neck) will require different grips on the blade and different directions of attack. Those will be more challenging. So, keep your early expectations limited. Use the straight a little, use the disposable to clean up the rest. Gradually expand the area you are shaving and save the tough areas for last. It'll take time but enjoy the ride.

Back to razor, if you find that it doesn't appear sharp enough, don't hesitate to send it off to be honed again......in spite of the fact that it should already be sharp. There are several members here on the member services that can make that thing laser sharp. I am not one of them but can recommend one if you choose to go that route. Don't hesitate to do so, you've already invested the money. You just have to get it working for you.

Yeah my neck is where I have the most problems by far. I'm getting mixed comments on here but I appreciate the advice from everyone I'll try to stick with it and see what I can do.

On another note is there a good place too look for quality vintage straight razors if I look into buying one? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but I want it to be a nice razor.

Originally Posted by SmoothasJazz

On another note is there a good place too look for quality vintage straight razors if I look into buying one? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg but I want it to be a nice razor.

Don't give up. You'll appreciate the whole process once you're up and running. And yes, you can check right here on the member sales section under "the mall" in the forum. Other members are always selling vintage blades here. All price ranges too. And the prices are usually not out of line. I have never seen anything (yet anyway) that looked like a total rape scene like I do on other sites or eBay. Again, if you want a recommendation, send me a private message and I'll point you in a good direction.

It's the same problem most guys have w/ switching from the Feather or Shavette to a true straight (myself included). Lynn hit the nail on the head for you here. The disposable are sharpened by a machine with super fine tolerances, and thus will always be waaaay sharper than most true straights; they are thinner as well, not much thicker than a DE blade. That will allow you alot more fudge room. A true straight is sharpened by hand on stones or films so there is some difference in degree of sharpness and smoothness from blade to blade (he's not a machine; though sometimes ya' wonder...right Lynn?). Practice your shallower angles like he suggested, and also pay close attention w/ the stropping...you are going to dull the edge some until you get the technique down. The shaves will get better little by little, but like was mentioned; lots of variables and trial and error involved w/ learning this method so patience is key here.