Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 13
Like Tree1Likes

Thread: Frustrating, but keeping at it

  1. #1
    Senior Member Wxman2000's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Brigham City, UT
    Posts
    302
    Thanked: 16

    Default Frustrating, but keeping at it

    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.
    Classic, traditional Barber and owner at Barber's Notch in Brigham City, Utah.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Havachat45's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Redbank, Queensland, Australia
    Posts
    1,639
    Thanked: 291

    Default

    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
    Hang on and enjoy the ride...

  3. #3
    Senior Member Wxman2000's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Brigham City, UT
    Posts
    302
    Thanked: 16

    Default Frustrating, but keeping at it

    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.
    Classic, traditional Barber and owner at Barber's Notch in Brigham City, Utah.

  4. #4
    ace
    ace is offline
    Senior Member blabbermouth ace's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    3,362
    Thanked: 581

    Default

    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.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to ace For This Useful Post:

    Wxman2000 (11-18-2012)

  6. #5
    Senior Member Havachat45's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Redbank, Queensland, Australia
    Posts
    1,639
    Thanked: 291

    Default

    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.
    Hang on and enjoy the ride...

  7. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    371
    Thanked: 31

    Default

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

  8. #7
    Senior Member Wxman2000's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Brigham City, UT
    Posts
    302
    Thanked: 16

    Default Frustrating, but keeping at it

    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
    Classic, traditional Barber and owner at Barber's Notch in Brigham City, Utah.

  9. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Northern Ireland
    Posts
    91
    Thanked: 6

    Default

    @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


    I found face lathering just seemed to work far better for me (you can see my thread about it and pictures of how thin a covering I was getting before a lot of guys on here helped me out: http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...-problems.html )

    Between various guys suggestions combined with that video, I now have plenty of lather on the brush to allow me a second covering.

  • The Following User Says Thank You to stevieb For This Useful Post:

    Wxman2000 (11-18-2012)

  • #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Seattle,WA.
    Posts
    579
    Thanked: 55

    Default

    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.

  • #10
    Senior Member Wxman2000's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    Brigham City, UT
    Posts
    302
    Thanked: 16

    Default Frustrating, but keeping at it

    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.
    Classic, traditional Barber and owner at Barber's Notch in Brigham City, Utah.

  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •