First a couple of comments. Finally, I have found a site where I can read and learn about the art of straight razor shaving. I'm relatively new to the art, two weeks in, actually. I've always wanted to shave this way since I first watched my grandfather shave with his trusty str8 and strop. I only wish I had started much earlier than my 45th year. Anyway...

I've been shaving with my Dovo "Special" 5/8 for two weeks now. I have been rather fortunate to have limited my bloodloss to only two cuts and a couple of small nicks. I still nick occassionally, but for the most part, my shaves are blood free. However, I have noticed that razorburn has seemed to become part of the ritual. I have altered my stropping method from what I discovered to be an ineffective method to a "correct" method. I wasn't employing the correct movement of my hand. My question is this: because I was not stropping properly (i was stropping in the correct direction, however, I just wasn't turning the razor over properly), could that lead to a "dull" edge and, subsequently, the razorburn I'm experiencing. I'm using what I believe to be high quality shave cream (C&E Almond Oil) applied with a badger brush along with adequate face preparations. I'm getting a decent shave (I won't say great because I am still quite inexperienced) but I notice the razorburn nearly every shave. Not unbearable, but still annoying, nonetheless.

Can any of the experts out here offer some advice for me. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I look forward to spending time here.

Jeff