Greetings from Rockville, Maryland!

I'm new to this whole thing, having gone into "The Art of Shaving Store" in the mall for the first time and spontaneously purchased a straight razor, which I believe is a Dovo. Not sure if it's shave-ready or not, seems like it could be sharper. While I like the idea, I've shave twice with it and found it a little terrifying, though my cuts weren't too bad. I used the strop once, but what this site seems to be saying is that I should get it professionally honed. Perhaps I will, but I would prefer not to do this too often as one of the main reasons for buying it was to save money.

Anyway, I'm a little discouraged, but I'll keep trying. Guess I'm looking for some moral support as I'm second-guessing myself. I like the sandalwood scented preshave oil, shave cream, and moisturizer from the store, and look forward to more enjoyable shaving experiences...

Welcome to SRP!! Don't be discouraged. Remember that shaving with a straight razor is an art and like any art form practice makes perfect. There is tons of valuable information here to help you with stropping and shaving. I would say that its in your best interested to take it slow, learn how to properly strop a razor and it doesn't hurt to send it out to get professionally honed. In fact it can only help.

And as for saving money, if that's your goal then go for it. I myself got into DE (double edge) shavers to save money. But now that Im using straight razors I keep finding more things to spend my money on. (:

You can save money by buying a car with no tires, but you're not going to go far in it. Before you can get a good shave you need a razor that has been properly honed ($20-25) and you must have a strop to maintain that sharp edge or "all is for naught".

Regards - Walt

Thanks. I think I will get it honed. I guess I have to send it off for that. Guess I'll look at the classifieds here. I did not cut myself on my third shave, but don't feel like I'm getting a close shave, perhaps due to the blade and due to myself being afraid to apply too much pressure, especially under my nose where I have to come in at more of an angle because my nose is in the way. Anyway, felt much better my third time. I do look forward to mastering it so I don't have to follow up with another razor. Haven't done my neck yet...