Straight razor rookie in British Columbia.

[AbrahamSandwich]

Hi folks, how's things? I'm new to the group and new to straight razors. I just got a Dovo 5/8'' half HG razor. I love the idea of using a straight, I think it's right up my alley. I had my first shave tonight and it was pretty rough. The sides of the face were super easy but the rest was tough. But Rome wasn't built in a day, I understand that. I get the feeling that this is gonna be an art as much as anything else. I think I've gotta learn more about blade care and getting a super mega sharp blade. I suspect mine isn't quite sharp enough, as it wasn't gliding through too great. So, I may have my work cut out for me... but I'm stoked. Thanks fellas.

[samda]

Welcome to the party. The first and most important requirement is to start with a sharp, shave ready blade. Send your razor to Lynn or Glenn. The cost is minimal but the wait for its return seems like forever. Once you experience a well honed razor's shave your journey will be more enjoyable. Enjoy the ride.

[ace]

Remember that starting out is the most difficult part, with many variables to get right. It's a little like learning to drive a car except that your early attempts at driving didn't leave you with razor burn unless you flipped your car.

[TrilliumLT]

Welcome to SRP. Where did you get the Razor? Tell us about your shave prep. Sounds like it may not be honed up enough, but it could be just your technique.

[Cangooner]

Welcome to SRP!

If you have been reading around the site very much you will already have figured this out, but I thought I'd mention it just in case. The reason we're suggesting sending a brand new blade out to be honed already is that they never come truly shave-ready from the factory. That is also why TrilliumLT asked about where you purchased it as some vendors will hone the razor to perfection before sending it out while others do not. This also ties into what ace said about removing variables: right now you probably have no idea whether it is your razor, your prep, or your technique that led to a rough shave. But by having it honed properly, you can at least eliminate that as a variable.

Good luck!

[AbrahamSandwich]

Cangooner, I certainly see what Ace said about variables-there's a lot. When you say "honing" I assume you're talking about a wetstone? Or something else? Is this something I can do? (or should do?), rather than sending it out. In order to keep a sharp blade does one need more than just a strop? I've seen video of a guy holding a hair between his thumb and forefinger and was able to cut the hair easily with the razor. I tried that and my blade wouldn't even come close to doing it. Wouldn't cut the hair. Is this a good test? How do I achieve this? Thanks for chatting. Take Care.

(one last question: how do I customize my profile pic like you've done?)

[AbrahamSandwich]

Hi there Trillium. Well, I got the razor from a store called "House of Knives". They sell all types of knives and such. As for shave prep, I put a hot towel against my face for a few minutes, then used a shave cream. I used my hanging strop beforehand, first the canvas side then the leather. Do you use both sides often? I've heard some people rarely use the canvas side. (I wanna make sure I've got this right: the white canvas side is for light sharpening and the leather side is to be used every shave. Correct?) Thanks a bunch. Good talking to ya.