Thread: Can't get 2 razors to shave

Fellas, hope you are all well. I haven't posted in long time, but troll around a bit. I've been using the same basic Dovo 5/8 since I started SR shaving 2011. It's served me very well. My honing and stropping technique has improved a lot, far from perfect. Recently I noticed it wasn't shaving well, especially at the toe, and had developed a bit of a frown. Long story short, I FUBAR'd it. Maybe I'll make a separate post about it.

Anyway, I have a couple of other razors that I've ignored for years because I could never get them to shave well, and I didn't want to mess them up. I very carefully honed and stropped them, and still can't get them to shave well. The razors are in good condition. The bevels are set. The spines are nearly perfect, but not quite. When putting a straight edge along the spine, there are a couple of high spots which cause light to be seen, but very small. I feel that the edge needs refinement. To the naked eye and in camera phone pics, scratches on the edge bevel are visible.

My honing set-up is: 2k, 4k, 8k, 10k, 12k. Early on I formed the opinion from reading/listening/watching others that one should go through a progression of stones to further refine the scratch pattern from the previous stone. I currently strop on an SRP paddle strop w/ 1micron diamond spray on felt, 0.5micron diamond past on leather, and naked leather. I've used different compounds on other substrates, mainly balsa, and all have produced good results with the Dovo. Not so with these 2 in question.

My previous stroke pattern was as follows on each stone (and I realize that' it's prolly too much): 20 laps edge leading, 40 circles each side edge leading, 20 laps edge trailing, 40 circles each side edge trailing. For this round I didn't do any circles, and didn't count strokes. I tried to do as minimal as possible. I try to use light pressure. I angle the blade to keep the stabilizer of the stone. I use my left hand thumb + fingers on the toe end of the spine to create equal pressure across the blade. I taped the spine on each razor this time. Previously I did not, so there's some hone wear.

I know I'm really close, I just can't quite get there. In this current time, I'd rather not purchase any new gear, but saying that, I've been wanting to get - feel the need for - a finishing stone: coti, Jnat, etc. I have a SRP 3" black bovine strop + canvas. I just prefer the paddle strop. I've been curious about getting a higher quality leather strop, and maybe a linen strop.

Here's the first razor. My father sent it to me a several years ago. It was sitting in a drawer for decades. Doesn't feel as good quality in hand as the basic Dovo 5/8. Very good condition, but the edge bevel at the toe has a slight ding or chip in it. The front 1/3 doesn't shave arm hair well. The back 1/2 shaves arm well. It doesn't face shave well at all. Pulls hair in every direction, and won't shave clean.





Here's the second razor. A smiling wedge I purchased from a member here several years ago. I've tried to learn and refine my technique for honing a smiling wedge. I'ts much better this time than when I first got it. The entire blade will pop arm hairs effortlessly. But it doesn't face shave well. Pulls hair in every direction and won't shave cleanly.





I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks fellas!