Thread: First time using a straight razor

I just received all the necessary items to start using a straight razor. I shaved for the first time today and I feel like my razor isn't sharp enough. I have a new Dovo 3" full hollow ground but I had a lot of pulling from the razor. I took a hot shower before and washed my face as well as used cream and a brush. Does anyone have any suggestions? I also have a 8000 grit sharpening stone and a strop. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

It is hard to know where to begin to answer your question as it is your first shave. If you haven't already done so, read https://shavelibrary.com/w/Category:Beginners, from our library section. There may be some hints in there.

If you are using the razor and it has a factory edge, it may not be shave ready. That means it may be necessary to send it out to be honed properly.

Have you used a brush and shaving soap before? It takes a bit to learn how to make a good lather which will help smooth out your shave. Next is shaving technique which means are you using and maintaining the correct angle on the blade and applying next to no pressure?

There are just so many things that could cause, pulling especially on a first shave, that it may take a bit to sort out and track down.

Bob

Welcome to SRP.
The factory edge on dovo razors is usually sub par.
The options are send it out to be pro honed, the best option IMO.
Or hone it yourself on the 8k.
Shouldn't take much but it is also quite easy to get wrong.
Stropping is usually the next problem, quite easy to trash an edge and your strop while learning. Slow wins the race here but well worth the effort.
Stick with it and best of luck.

Thank you for the advice. I will probably get it professionally honed for my first time and then practice on a used razor I have coming from ebay until I get it down.

I suggest you put your city in the avatar. A member may live close by.

Welcome to the forum

Originally Posted by Adamstahly1986

Thank you for the advice. I will probably get it professionally honed for my first time and then practice on a used razor I have coming from ebay until I get it down.

One word of caution regarding professional honing and that is do not go to a place that commercially sharpens knives, scissors and saw blades. They may do well on those but a straight razor is a different ball game. Send it to a reputable honer whose services are recognised on the forum.

Bob

Okay great thank you

I've tried to edit my profile and I can't figure it out. Technology is not my strong suit

Hello!
At the top of the page click on settings over to the right.
On the settings page, to the left, click on edit profile.
Scroll to the bottom where you will see a field to enter your location.
After you put it in scroll to the bottom and hit save.

Pete <:-}

Thank you. I had to go to the full site mode