Thread: What do you think?

While I'm sure there are plenty of other threads and plenty of other sites out there damming Enzo razor's and quite rightly so I thought I would ask the question anyway but first here's the background........ A few weeks ago I bought my first and then second Enzo razors, the second came with a strop and a stone (wait for it, even as I'm writing g this I can feel future cringing) I have very little experience with straight razors so was thrilled when I received them, if nothing else they look damn good. Here's the conclusion...... first shave was about equal to a mach 3 razor, several hundred stropping passes later..... about the same except towards the end came the pulling. Naturally I reached for the brand new (in its own pouch) stone, oh dear.... I'm not sure I'd sharpen a hatchet on that for fear of chipping it. The strop is ok, I think, how wrong can you be with a strop. My question is...... After buying a dovo bismarck that hasn't arrived yet, will the shave be that much different from the first shave of the Enzo and will it keep its edge? the dovo has cost me a fair few shiny penny's and I'm a bit worried, also will the strop I got with the Enzo be ok with the dovo?
All comment welcome and I appriciate your time to read the rather long explination/question
Thanks
Martyn

The Enzo strop is likely made of cheap bonded or recycled leather, it will have an aligning effect on the razor edge, but so would cardboard.
I don't think there would be any harm in using it for the time being, especially as a practice strop. Once you are no longer prone to nicking your strop, you can upgrade to a quality strop.

Considering your comments on the 2 Enzo razors, not to mention they are on this site's list of brands not to buy, and the hone that came with it I might have second thoughts of using the strop with a real razor like the Dovo.

The quality of the shave you get with the Dovo compared to the Enzos would depend on a few things. Did the Dovo you purchased come pro honed to "shave ready" from the seller? Factory edges have a reputation of being hit and miss compared pro honed "shave Ready" blades. If it comes pro honed to "shave ready" do not strop it before first use. That eliminates the possibility of poor stropping dulling a sharp edge. If it comes with a factory edge you may wind up having to send it out to be honed.

The Dovo should take and keep a good edge.

Bob

Not much to add to what Bob said.

If your Dovo is shave ready and your technique reasonable you should be amazed. If it is not hand honed you likely will not get a satisfying shave. Likewise if your technique is bad and the edge good you may not get a satisfying shave. I think if you have a Dovo or any other reputable blade that has been hand honed by someone that knows what they are doing then the quality off the shave is in your hand.