Hi from Flanders!

Hello,

I've always been fascinated by shaving utilities, and a few weeks ago I got a straight razor. A Dovo from Amazon.fr.
I used it the same day, no cut worth mentioning. It did feel like pulling the hair though.
As far as I understand the hanging hair test, it really didn't pass.
So then I got a very small coticule, tried honing myself. Though it still doesn't do the hanging hair test, the shaving felt a lot better.

What I'd like to add is, that I would really appreciate any tips and tricks from anyone.

Thank you and regards,

Shino

Hi Shino,

Welcome here on the SRP forum.

A wise thing to do is to read here on SRP as much posts and watch videos on honing.
I guess most of us, at least I have, got the most info and learned a lot before starting, here on the forum.
You can use the advanced search option and type: honing; Coticule, test shave, taping spine, HHT, shave prep, lather, hot towels, etc.

But to learn best is to make your own mistakes:p.

Happy shaves.

Regards,
Paul

Shino, your Dovo was probably not shave ready when you got it which is sure to give the pulling effect you mention. Don't worry about hanging hair tests, they are highly overated.
Since you have a coticule you should read as much as you can on honing and the other basic knowledge area as mentioned above.
You may want to consider sending your razor out for a honing. With that being done you will have an opportunity to experience how a properly maintained edge should feel. Good luck, enjoy the process and please keep
us posted.

Do you have a strop? Brush & soap? If you just attacked your face with a razor straight from the box you're going to have trouble no matter how sharp it is!

Shino, best of greetings. Given your location and already having a coti, you might wish to connect w/ the coti guys - based out of Belgium. 'Last I heard, they had free honing service. If I could change the way I learned, I would *not* have tried to learn the str8 shave at the same time I learned to hone. Having a 2nd razor to use while one is out being touched-up is helpful. 'Doesn't have to be expensive. It just needs a fine edge. Best of luck. 'Hope to hear more from you.

Welcome to the forum, :chapeau

Some great stuff up above this post and not a whole lot to add other than if you are close enough for a face to face with one of the coti gents, bring your stone, razor, and a notepad.