Thread: Did i buy the right straight razor?

Hi everyone I am very very new to the straight razor world. I wanted a good razor so I got a Dovo Astrale (its black and has an ebony handle or something) I believe its called. The only reason im contemplating on if its a good razor is because when I shaved none of my facial hair came off (when i say non came off i mean actually nothing the blade went with the hair at every angle). I am also well aware that I could suck at this and that its just me. The only reason I am confused is because i have literally tried every angle because the whole 20 degree wasn't working. I don't have a leather strap yet because the store didn't have anymore but the guy said for the first time you should have to. Apparently because the blade is pre sharpened. I have also been using shaving gel which after reading some things on here is possibly a bad thing or is it? I don't know lol. I appreciate any help because my face and I are frustrated

Thanks everyone!

wellcome to SRP,where did you buy the blade?

Well, there is several factors at play here. Could be the angle, could be the soap, could be the edge Ect. Ect.

What I would recommend is that you strop your razor, and try again but this time try pulling/stretching the skin towards the razor.

Since you don't have a strop you could use newspaper ... Maybe ... look into it.

As for the blade, dovo's are pretty reliable. Depends on who honed it, but if it was professionally honed it should be fine. Keep in mind machines edges aren't going to shave well.

Just keep at it, you will get the hang of it.

JackofDiamonds

Thank you and some place called personal edge. I believe that was there name

Originally Posted by JackofDiamonds

Well, there is several factors at play here. Could be the angle, could be the soap, could be the edge Ect. Ect.

What I would recommend is that you strop your razor, and try again but this time try pulling/stretching the skin towards the razor.

Since you don't have a strop you could use newspaper ... Maybe ... look into it.

As for the blade, dovo's are pretty reliable. Depends on who honed it, but if it was professionally honed it should be fine. Keep in mind machines edges aren't going to shave well.

Just keep at it, you will get the hang of it.

JackofDiamonds

Sorry but,keeping at it with a blade that is not shave ready,will NEVER work.JMO

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Sorry but,keeping at it with a blade that is not shave ready,will NEVER work.JMO

Agreed, I meant that as more of a "don't give up just because the first shave didn't go well". Never would recommend shaving with a machined edge.

Well the guy said it was shave ready. Now granted he probably just said that so I guess my second question is how do I check if its shave ready. And if it's not is there a way I can do it without sending it away.I just got it it would kinda suck to send it away now lol

Well, the best ( and only way IMO) is to shave with it. There are "tests" to determine how the edge is but shaving is the final say. If you don't want to send it out then you will have to hone it. Personally I would send it out. But give it another go, I wouldn't want to call the seller a liar just yet.

I watched videos of people straight shaving for two months before I made my first shave. See how your methods compare to others.

If you find the edge unable to shave, that is when I would send it out. And while it is out I would invest in a strop.

I just got out of the same boat lol.

Before deciding it is not shave ready I would do a couple tests.

Gel shaving cream for one is way too dry to make a straight work properly, but you should still be getting something even with a machined edge and bad lubrication. Is there ANY stubble coming off or is it just plain old not removing anything. Also is there razor burn.

I would also VERY carefully try shaving some arm hair in a small patch to see if it will lay that down. If it does it won't mean that it's shave ready but it will at least mean the razor isn't dull

The Shave Test:

Lather as perfectly as possible after prepping with either hot towels or a hot shower,,,

Now using a 2 spine width angle from the face, start at the Sideburn line and do a confident smooth stroke to the Jawline,,

The ease at which the razor shaves should surprise you, that area should feel smooth to the touch..

If that simple perfect stroke doesn't work there, is NO sense in torturing yourself, or your face, either you have zero clue how to use the razor, or the razor isn't shave ready, either way try the other side of the face, and make up your mind where the fault is..



BTW this is what we mean when we say "The Shave Test" we don't mean a full shave, this one simple stroke tells you if the razor is shave ready....