Thread: New Dovo that's not shave ready..

Dear Fellow Razorheads, I received a Dovo half ground 5/8 NIB that had been used once. The blade has an even edge, but will not shave my arm hair. Should I try stropping it to get it shave ready, or should I do 5 complete strokes on the balsa wood chromium oxide strop, followed by 25 strops on linen and then 25 strops on leather? Really wanting to learn this. Thanx!-Gearhead222

I wouldn't presume to be able to answer that question. I would say give it a try. If it works great. My guess is you'll be best off sending it out for professional honing. If your balsa and regular stropping don't work check out member services in the classifieds.

Thanx for the quick reply!Will consider your advice-John

Some guys have reported that new Dovo's will shave out of the box, and many say they don't. Though I suspect that experience (and perhaps tough skin ), may account for the former don't be surprised if you have to send it out to be properly honed.

Maybe try to strop it first and if that doesn't work move to your balsa. As Ryan said some will be ok with factory honed and some will want a professional honing. My first Dovo was sharp and shaved well with no problems right out of the box. It wasn't until I bought one that Lynn had sharpened from Vintage blades that I found out what sharp REALLY was. Several members here will hone it professionally for you for a nominal fee. Some may even do it free.

I'd strongly guess that it needs honing. Dovo's usually come pretty sharp from the factory but they are far from shave ready. If you can't shave arm hair then that says it's pretty blunt as you can shave arm hair with a well set 1k bevel.

Originally Posted by gearhead222

Dear Fellow Razorheads, I received a Dovo half ground 5/8 NIB that had been used once. The blade has an even edge, but will not shave my arm hair. Should I try stropping it to get it shave ready, or should I do 5 complete strokes on the balsa wood chromium oxide strop, followed by 25 strops on linen and then 25 strops on leather? Really wanting to learn this. Thanx!-Gearhead222

Are you the one that shaved with it once or did you buy it from someone else that tried to shave with it? If you bought first it where did you get it from?

If you bought it second hand I suggest just send it to get honed and start off fresh.

Here is a Tips thread that is all about this issue

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post908878

Thanx again guys! Sent it off to Maximillian-Gearhead222