Rookie shaver with a new Dovo for Xmas

Hello all, my wonderful wife listened to all my hints and bought a new Dovo straight razor or Christmas and I couldn't be happier. Now the problem is, the link I sent her to get my razor was a 'shave-ready' Col. Conk. Well she used the razor name and went to a local cigar shop that sold the same razor but as you all know I'm sure, the cigar expert was no shaving expert and told her it was shave-ready from the factory.

From what I've read on this forum, if I cracked the seal for the razor box myself..then I shouldn't consider it shave-ready. Is that correct even for a well-known and respected name like Dovo?

Assuming your answer is going to be that it is indeed not shave-ready, then does anyone know anyplace in Ottawa Canada I could get it honed properly? I found many 'sharpening' shops in Ottawa...but when they describe themselves as ice auger sharpeners, and dog clipper sharpeners...I feel a bit concerned.

What about sending it to Lynn? I see he's in the US. Is that an issue for me to send this blade back and forth? What should I expect to pay for honing of my new blade?

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Welcome to SRP from a fellow Canuck!

Nice present, indeed :). It's a bit of a long shot, but I'd first try to shave with it before sending it out; it may have an edge on it already. Just strop and test shave. But... You didn't mention if your darling wife also bought you a strop, which is most integral to a close and smooth straight razor shave. If no you can try using an old leather belt until you get yourself sorted. I would highly recommend watching some stropping videos at SRP and on Youtube before giving it go yourself.

Please, do not send it to a knife shop or anywhere else that hones tools other than razors. If you find that the razor is butter knife dull, there are a few options. First, check the members' map, as there are more than a few members in the Ottawa area who could probably hone your razor for you. Next option would be to send it to Maxi who is in Toronto, really not that far from you. I've never employed his services, but have heard good things. Of course, you could send it across the border to Lynn, but since you have some local options your best bet would be to explore them first.

Have fun,

Ryan

Salutations,

First, welcome to SRP. I can say from experience that this is the best place to get answers and advice for straights. As far as your question, I would recommend doing a HHT(hanging hair test) on the blade. There are several ways to test the edge, but that is my personal favorite before I put the blade to the cheek. Other tests can be explained in the wiki area on the site.
If the blade fails the HHT then you will likely have to get the straight honed. I dislike the term sharpened due to the fact that straights aren't just dull and sharp; there are sharp blades, really sharp blades, murderously sharp blades and then there is shave ready.

Cheers,
JackofDiamonds

A PM is on its way

Here is a link to a search of the SRP Member list for guys with a location of "Ottawa"

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=30

May I suggest that you contact a few of them to get some 1 on 1 direction.

hello and welcome

Well, it's a bit of a crap shoot weather it is shave ready out of the box. I did receive a Dovo Inox straight from the factory that was shave ready. I suppose it depends on who was honing that day in the shop before wrapping it up.

Being a new shaver, it would be best if you sent it for honing either way.