Thread: Hello From Tamarac FL

I am a 55 year young man, who wants to return to the older but better way of shaving. But so far I'm having a lot of trouble with the Dovo Best Quality razor I purchased , not the shave, but the razor. But I'm trying not to give up.

Alewine

First of all welcome to the forum, you are never too young for a proper straight shave!

Second, maybe someone who lives close to you could mentor you over the bumps in the road. If not, I'm sure we can get you by here.

Where did you purchase your razor? I ask this because many times folks purchase a razor that is not "shave ready". Sure it's sharp, but a properly honed razor should not pull on your beard if you have done your part of the "shave prep".

I purchased the razor from SRD, so the sharpness should be right on. It's the scales that keep breaking at the pivot pin. It was repaired by SRD, but broke again at the same place. I've been told that it could be my stropping technique.

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Could be your stropping technique. The scales are not "handles" for stropping, your pressure should be only on the tang. If it's a SRD razor, then the razor has been properly honed as you mentioned. Try to find another Floridian that you can visit as it can really help to smooth your shaving journey.

Alewine:

I'm a new member of SRP but not new to straights. I've been reading the forum since 6/11, and recently decided to participate.

I live in Miami and would be happy to help you in any way I can. This hobby has a steep learning curve. I think we lose a significant number of newbies because they get frustrated and give up. If you stick with it it will come together.

I don't know if you have your razor back yet with its new scales. Let me know what I can do to help you along.

Ricardo

Alewine: We live real close to each other. I'll be happy to give you help and lend you a practice razor so you can practice stropping awaiting the arrival of your repaired Dovo. Good luck

Alewine, welcome to SRP! I'm glad to see you've got some local help there; count yourself lucky. As far as I know, I'm the only straight shaver in western Colorado. Of course, out here the landscape is mostly made up of yonder.

Sorry for the trouble with the scales. Two things come to mind: Make sure you hold the razor on the tang and have as little pressure on the scales as possible. Also, stropping does not take much pressure. Go very lightly and slowly until you get the hand of it.

This is a picture with my hand opened a bit so you can see where the grip really is. Everyone does things a bit differently but hold the tang and you'll be fine.