Thread: DOVO 5/8" Hollow Ground Black Straight Razor not getting smooth shave

So I decided to get into straight shaving and I'm moving along pretty nicely. I bought my DOVO 5/8" from The Art of Shaving over Thanksgiving. Here is a link to it specifically. The Art of Shaving - Black Plastic Straight Razor - Straight Razors from The Art of Shaving Past couple of times I've shaved I've avoided nicking myself completely. However, I am having some difficulty in getting a smooth shave, particularly on my neck. Now they told me it was shave ready, but even one of the reviewers on the site said that it should be sharpened/honed which makes me to believe this might be the issue. I'm pretty sure I've got a good angle and I'm pulling my skin tight, but still even after 3 passes I still have a bit of stubble and hairs that seem to be completely missed. With a normal razor like a Gillete, I normally just shave down then up on my cheeks, chin and lip and then up and down on my neck and boom I'm done. I've basically been doing that motion and even on my 2nd pass shaving across before I go against the grain. I've even thought of letting my beard grow a bit then going to an actual barber and having them shave me and tell me specifically which directions to go first but that seems like it may be a waste of money. I feel a bit discouraged but I know this takes time to master and want to believe I'm doing it correctly and perhaps just maybe my razor needs honed/sharpened and that could solve this little dilemma. Any tips or advice? I've watched numerous videos but I know it is all based on how your beard grows.

With pretty much all factory made razors unless the vendor specifically says it was honed by someone to shave ready condition it will not be truly shave ready. Some might shave reasonably well some barely and some not at all.

Don't get discouraged, you are doing fine. But your razor does need to be honed to actually shave ready. You can check the classifieds for a number of people who can do this for you. Also, if you update your profile with your location, you may be able to find someone nearby.

Happy shaving!

It will certainly need to be honed. I am not a pro but I've honed a blade or two. I'd be willing to get this in shave ready condition for ya for free as long as you cover shipping both ways.

Welcome to SRP!
Yes it will need to be honed. The razors from AoS only have the factory edge and are pretty rough.
Put your location into your profile and hopefully somebody nearby can help you out.
You can also check in the classifieds of this site under member services and find a honer. I think the typical cost is around $25 which is a lot cheaper than buying all of the stones.
Make sure you check out the beginner's tips in the Library as well and feel free to ask us any questions that you may have.

Thank you gentlemen. I've updated my profile to include my location. Good ol Fayetteville, NC.

Realy angers me to see all these newbs start off with a factory blade that is supposed to be shave ready and is not.
Than they have to tie up another week or so,pay the toke to get the blade where it should be.
Buy your razors from one of our trusted vendors/members folks.

When it comes time to buy another I will. I assume that it is good practice to have two blades and switch between them as you have to send one off to get honed.

In the meantime until I get this thing honed, I was planning on getting a shavette to use disposable blades. One this will allow me to continue practicing and mastering this technique and two, I do travel a bit for my profession so makes sense to be able to take something with me.

DOVO is quite well known for their factory edges not being shave ready. Once you do get it professionally honed, you can also get what's called a Barber's Hone, a small but aggressive hone used for monthly touchups. Once you get one of those, you won't need to send it out regularly. Assuming that your honing technique is okay and your razor doesn't get damaged through other means (chips, cracks, dings, drops, etc)