Frustrating, but keeping at it

**Wxman2000** · 11-17-2012, 02:24 PM

I've only received my new Dovo this past week, but have been trying it out each time I shave. I'm slowly getting better at some of the awkward places on my face, but I think the confidence in my strokes are what is still holding me back.

So far, I'm able to get a shave equivalent to a feel where I shaved a few hours ago...not quite a 5 o'clock shadow shave...maybe a noon shadow or something. Either way, for the most part it's better than my first shave, but I have noticed my cheeks aren't quite as smooth as that first shave which is a little frustrating.

**Havachat45** · 11-17-2012, 02:52 PM

The first question that springs to mind is - is it shave ready or was the package sealed when you got it?

If it was sealed then you need to get it honed.

Please don't take it the local knife guy either - have it honed by someone who uses one themselves - then you can start working on your technique.

We all want you to succeed and want to hear about your journey too

**Wxman2000** · 11-17-2012, 02:53 PM

I bought it from SRD and from what it says on there, all the ones they sell are honed by Lynn...so it's probably as sharp as it'll ever be.

**ace** · 11-17-2012, 03:00 PM

Then it's just a matter of practice, patience and time. I didn't get really decent shaves for a month. Now, months later, they are as good as a shave can be. It's an acquired skill, acquired with practice, and you'll just have to put in the time and pay your dues.

**Havachat45** · 11-17-2012, 03:00 PM

Well that's one variable out of the way then.

That only leaves face prep, stropping and technique - don't worry it does get better.

**trondsi** · 11-17-2012, 03:05 PM

How's your stropping going? Do you use canvas as well as leather?

**Wxman2000** · 11-17-2012, 03:18 PM

I've been using the canvas first. About 20-30 laps then about double on the leather. I'm sure it is just practice and technique I need to improve on over time. Just too bad I can't shave 5 times a day for practice!

Also I think part of my prep is still lacking as we'll. lathering the soap I'm still having some trouble with. It looks good in the mug but when putting it on my face it always looks a little thin. Not thick like in videos I've seen, I can still see through it to my skin after putting it on. As far as soaps, I've tried two. The Walmart special of van der something and SRD's bay rum

**stevieb** · 11-17-2012, 09:16 PM

@Wxman2000

I was having a lot of issues building lather and I found this video from Lynn very helpful: Building a shaving lather with a brush directly on your face. - YouTube

**gcbryan** · 11-17-2012, 10:05 PM

I'm new myself but I'm fairly sure (since you have a sharp razor) that your issue is having too great an angle (face to razor). Instead of thinking in terms of 30 degrees try keeping the spine of the razor a little closer to your face than you are currently doing.

Do that and that shave should be closer than your previous shaves.

As long as your face is wet and you have some kind of leather that's not likely to be the major issue.

**Wxman2000** · 11-17-2012, 10:07 PM

I've tried the lower angle like that, but when I try that it seems like it is pulling more than cutting...time will help though I'm sure.

I watched the video link of the face lathering and I think I'll try that next also to see if that helps with the lathering.

Thread: Frustrating, but keeping at it

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