Thread: Shave Suggestions

Thanks for the info. Lynn Abrams does all the honing for classicshaving.com as far as I know so the issue of the blade is a moot point. You have a very sharp blade.

It sounds like a skin issue. Give your skin some time to adjust and to learn the proper pressure, angle, stretching, stroke etc.

I would let my face rest for a week or so and then start in again as you suggested.

Just a quick note on this.

You say you have a very thick beard? Well, the razor you bought is a full hollow grind. The general consensus is that for a very thick beard/ tough beard then a 1/4 hollow or 1/2 hollow grind is more effective. There is less flex in the blade. The other point is that a size of 6/8 is generally preferred by those with heavy beards. More mass and less flex in the blade.

Try resting your skin and doing as David suggested. Then if you still have difficulty then consider a 6/8 1/2 hollow or 5/8 1/4 hollow grind blade.

Hope this helps,

Don't be afraid to send it back to me to take a look at it. Return postage on me. Lynn.

Thanks for all the help guys. I am convinced that it is not the Dovo's fault, thanks for the very kind offer Lynn.

I know it's just my lack of skill, so I'll just keep at it, and get comfy with shaving once I've gained the confidence and experience.

Just got to focus more!

Well Ok, but keep in mind the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.... ink:

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Well Ok, but keep in mind the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.... ink:

NOW! he tells me! Oh well, at least I now have an excue.

I found that my experience maneuvering other kinds of very sharp blades (knives and chisels) helped me in learning to shave with a str8. It's all about the cutting angle and pressure for any cutting edge.
The honing part was easy, it was learning to strop that took me a couple of weeks.

It's often been said that " it's not the destination, it's the journey" . I always think of this in relation to the many long motorcycle trips that i have made in the past.
Shaving with a Straight can be much the same, getting that good shave can be quite a journey. 8)

I am not a pro since I have only been shaving since Christmas, however I have shaved everyday since then ( a good number of shaves). I had a similar problem when I first started because I thought the razor was sharp enough right out of the box; and I was a bad shaver. :lol: It does take a while for the skin to get used to it and it is important to strop it correctly but let me tell you when your razor is sharp it is easier, you don't press as hard or redo the same area several times etc. You also cut yourself a bit less. Take your time and enjoy this it is way cool when it all works right.



RichZ in NYC
Member in good standing of the Pink sink club.

All of what is being said is good advice, and you should listen to it. If, however, your razor is keen, your strop is clean, and your prep is...well it sounds like you prep is solid, understand that it might just be your skin.
It is quite possible that you have a tuff, unrully beard and sensitive, can't handle the pain skin. If you keep having problems, go see a dermatologist, they specialize in skin, and can probably tell you what's what.