Hi. I've been shaving with a straight razor for a few months now. I'm loving the overall results and I'm definitely getting better with each shave. It's a fantastic, masculine journey.

I shave with a Dovo Inox 5/8" half-hollow ground Stainless steel razor. Kinda entry level blade, I guess. I'm certainly not unhappy with it, but am wondering if the overall quality of my shave could be better. I struggle to achieve close shave on my neck, and my chin area and upper lip continue to be an effort. In fact I still shave those areas with a Gillette safety razor to achieve a decent save.

Do I need to continue perfecting my technique, or could a closer, better shave be achieved with a better quality blade?

I'm happy that my blade is sharp enough, so no issue there. I also maintain the blade edge with regular stropping.

I'm interested in thoughts on achieving a better quality shave through the use of a better quality blade. Or is that a nonsense?