Thread: Trying not to hurt myself, Please help!

That's my current plan. Thanks.

For future reference

a shave test for the edges

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-test-vid.html

Which side of the razor are you using?

I see you're in the SJ Valley, as I am. Do you know anyone local that you use that does a good job?

I've only been using a straight for about a month, but I felt like my razor was pulling too much and not cutting properly. I concluded that I probably dulled it during the learning process. I bought a second razor from Straight Razor Designs (they come honed and shave ready) to try by comparison. My thought was that a second razor would be great to have if I can get the hang of this, and $80 was a fair price to determine whether the problem was me or the razor. I did a WTG and a XTG shave this morning with the new razor and I was very pleased with the results. It was my first pain free, respectable shave with a straight. The first razor is headed back to SRD on Monday for rehoning. You might want to try this approach, too. You can get a shave ready straight from Whipped Dog for about $40 if your budget doesn't like the idea of a new $80 Dovo. Good luck. I hope that you stick with it and have a break through soon.

Thanks to all for the good advice. I had my razor professionally honed and my first shave with it was excellent. All the practicing with the dull edge made me a better shaver. Thanks to MadAspen in Las Vegas for the excellent job on my razor. I am looking forward to every shave now, so that I can perfect my technique. I've been biten by the bug and have acquired two more straights to put in my rotation. I will definitely have both professionally sharpened before use.

Glad to hear it is coming together for you!
It can be addictive, enjoy!