Suspected Dull New Edge

As mentioned in my previous thread I am very new to straight shaving. I have only tried to shave once and it took about an hour along with some real tugging. Although the blade is brandnew I suspect the factory finish is not up to scratch. I have a macro lens which can do up to x5 magnification and attemtped to take some pictures of the blade edge. To me it looks fairly rough. I've taken a picture of the Dovo symbol to give you an idea of the scale. The width of a shot must be around ¼".Attachment 102692These photos are in my album in my profile too.
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Also not an expert, I haven't even TRIED honing yet, figuring I should learn to know a good shave first, but that looks rough to my eyes.

Welcome!

Most New Razors 'Factory Edge' are 'lacking'!! I gave my Brand new Revisor's factory edge a go and it wasn't bad, just not great! After honing and a finish on the Naniwa 12k it was a great shave!! It's one of my favorite razors!!

Since you're in the UK give Neil Miller a PM. There may be others closer to you that can help you. I hope that some of your countrymen will join in!

Again Welcome! You've found the most friendly, helpful and knowledgeable site on the web! Good luck! Send me a PM and let me know how your razor turned out!

You might enjoy the post thread that I started at the Beginners forum:http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...iendships.html

Thanks; yes I've found this group very helpful and friendly. I posted another thread and got lots of replies very quickly. I ordered another Dovo today (a cheaper one), simply because the website said they hone and strop them ready to shave before sending out. I need to experience a proper ready to shave razor so I can learn to use it properly and so I know what it should feel like. I would send my 1st razor for honing but I'm going to be working out the country from the 11th and would need it back before then so I'm not sure if there is enough time now. I also have the 4000/8000 honing stone but I wont try that until i know what i'm doing and will practice on a cheap 2nd hand one first. Thanks for your help.

There is a small nick in your blade. It should be honed.

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Originally Posted by rimmini

There is a small nick in your blade. It should be honed.

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And that is just a small quarter inch secition I've photographed. I've now sent it away to get done properly. Thanks

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Originally Posted by postmastergeneral

I've now sent it away to get done properly. Thanks

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Just out of couriosity, who did you find to hone for you and where did you purchase your new razor?

Inquiring Minds want to know!:hmmm:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Just out of couriosity, who did you find to hone for you and where did you purchase your new razor?

Inquiring Minds want to know!:hmmm:

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I've sent it to Neil Millar for hining. He tells me the spine is slightly warped meaning stropping isnt going to be perfect and there were 8 nicks on the blade. I think he's analysed it under a microscope. I bought it from Executive shaving.com. Cheers

Neil is a very accomplished professional! His reputation is well known!!!

I believe that the problem with the spine will not affect the stropping, it will affect the honing! From what I've seen of your pictures, the chips are very minor!!

Neil will return you a shave ready razor that you will use to judge many future razors by!!!

You are blessed to have such a craftsman available to perform his 'magic' for you to enjoy!!

Gute Rasur /glatte Rasur, mein Bruder der Klinge

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Roy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Neil is a very accomplished professional! His reputation is well known!!!

I believe that the problem with the spine will not affect the stropping, it will affect the honing! From what I've seen of your pictures, the chips are very minor!!

Neil will return you a shave ready razor that you will use to judge many future razors by!!!

You are blessed to have such a craftsman available to perform his 'magic' for you to enjoy!!

Gute Rasur /glatte Rasur, mein Bruder der Klinge

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Roy

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Yes, Neil is a top bloke. I really appreicate the time and effort he has made in replying to me and lucky to have someone like this in the UK