Hi All,

I'm a rank beginner, having purchased a shave ready DOVO, a 2" latigo/linen strop, badger brush, soap & mug from SRD. The razor arrived very sharp and passed the HHT. I shaved and then stropped enthusiastically and likely screwed up the edge. I cannot get a shave ready edge back and have a fair bit of pulling (and nicks) when shaving.

I have since read everything I can on this site about stropping and have reformed my technique. I have stropped the heck out of this razor on newspaper (200x), linen (100x) and latigo (100x) but still can't get back to that original shave ready edge.

My question is regarding the most effective way to get that edge back. Assumption is that my stropping technique is now OK and not damaging blade edge.

Options are:
1. SRD paddle. .5m diamond on rough side and .5m CrOx on smooth side.
2. SRD wool/linen hanging strop. .5m diamond on wool and .5m CrOx on linen.
3. Send DOVO back for re-honing (with coupon!) and don't get into pastes.

Any advice? Any other options I should be considering?

One expensive addition to #1, 2 or 3 above would to buy another shave ready DOVO for comparison purposes but that is getting very costly!!

I appreciate all the great info and support from the people using this site.

Thanks,
David