Thread: New Dovo Bismarch 6/8 - Bringing it to shave ready…..

Wow my Christmas present turned up today, a little late but I was just as excited opening the box.

What a beautiful razor and it fits my hand perfectly. It has great balance and feel. A great looking razor for sure.

My first straight razor I got from Larry at whipped Dog which is a vintage 5/8. Its a great razor and was honed by him not so long ago so I have an edge to compare my new razor to. (Im a relative newbie to straights and honing) I have been maintaining the edge of my vintage razor with 5 or 6 x passes on my lathered up, barbers hone as the razor starts to pull a just a little which is usually about 7 to 10 shaves, then I just strop for 60 passes or until the razor feels smooth. I strop everyday before and after my shave with 25 passes or so on a hanging strop.

I was unsure how sharp a factory Dovo would be so I gave the new Bismarch a test shave on my cheek and it was a little scratchy. I also looked at it through a 30X magnifier and I could see metal strands and larger scratches (unlike the razor I got from Larry) but the bevel looked crisp and even the whole length of the blade like on my vintage. So I gave ithe razor 30 seconds each side, circular motions on my 12K barbers hone then 5 X strokes each side then 60 passes on my hanging strop and then looked again. The edge looked smooth, so I re tested it again on my face and it was perfect, like a knife through butter.

I must say the 6/8 size is more comfortable to use as I have quite large hands and the new razor seems to glide across my face more smoothly. It also seems easier to maintain a good cutting angle for me, it cuts at a lesser angle which seems to help with the glide.

I must say without a professionally honed vintage blade to compare it to I would have had no idea what a straight is supposed to feel like, however equipped with this knowledge and a barbers hone, a strop and a 30x magnifier, I was able to replicate the feel of my vintage.

So the only advice I would give is, if you don't know what a professionally honed blade is supposed to feel like against your face and what it looks like under some magnification, don't assume your new razor will be ready to shave with, although it may only be a little way off perfect. Buy a straight from a professional first or get your new straight honed by a pro before you begin.

I hope that helps…