"Howdy" from Vancouver!

Hey everyone, Ben here from Vancouver.

I'm new to straight razor shaving, but am enthusiastic as ever, and love to learn new things (esp. awesome new things like stuff about straight razors). I have recently bought a DOVO razor from classicshaving.com (this one: DOVO Straight Razors).

I am pleased with my purchase, but I feel that it could be sharper, so that's why I have joined SRP: to learn everything I can to achieve the perfect shave! I also have bought a Vulfix Super Badger brush + a stand, 2 large pucks of "classic brand" shaving cream, and a DOVO "Russian leather" strop.

I feel that I have the appropriate supplies for starting out, and have had several great shaving experiences already, but always find myself putting (what feels like) a bit too much pressure on my face whilst shaving. I'm not precisely sure what can help this, but am open to any suggestions, and plan to learn to hone a razor in due time.

Also: I have purchased a (likely low quality) J.A. Henckels/Graef & Schmidt #50 razor, but it was $20 on craigslist (incl a strop), and the guy was honest with me about it (he got it off eBay from Ron Lucas for $30 - of "Lucas Shaving & Strops", as well as the strop from him). So I would also love someone with greater knowledge of older razors to give me an idea of what I should do with it. I can post pictures later if requested.

Finally, I found this really cool safety razor from an antique shop for $20 in the states. It's copper-y colored, and mas made by Gillette in 1920! I've gotten some blades for it, and it shaves just fine. Cool to look at anyways.

So, if any of you pros out there have any input for me, I'd greatly appreciate it. And until then... Au Revoir!

Hi Ben, welcome to SRP. Nice kit you've got yourself. If it was me I would practice on that Lucas strop until proficient. We all seem to nick our strops in the beginning. Chances are that you are using too much pressure. It takes time to figure out the ideal technique in straight razor shaving but it will come with practice. If you ordered it 'shave ready' it should be fine as far as sharpness. Read my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts. :gl:

Welcome Ben to SRP have fun