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I recently purchased a 6/8" DOVO straight razor. I sent it from Detroit, USA to Billy in Scotland to have it honed and stropped. I didn't want to pester Billy with every question that comes to mind so I created this thread. As a newbie, I was expecting to get an easy shave with a blade that would cut through the thickest stubble with ease. However, I was disappointed. I am sure Billy did a top notch job honing and stropping the DOVO so I ruled out a dull blade. So it must be my technique. II know it takes a while to learn how to shave with a straight razor. I have been trying using a 30 degree angle between my face and the blade, but still not a close shave. Before using a straight razor, I have been using disposable, double-blade razors. I was under the impression that a straight razor would be just as sharp or sharper than the disposables. However, with a straight razor, I cannot reproduce the close shave that I get from a disposable. I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts and experiences.
It's unlikely you have damaged the edge on your face. But if you think about it you will dull it more quickly at too steep an angle because you are effectively scraping not cutting.@seveneighth,
My DOVO was honed and stropped by Billy, so I have not stropped it yet. I am beginning to suspect that I could have damaged his work by my improper use of the razor. Maybe it needs to be stropped? I did buy a Kanayama #2196 which I assumed that it was a good introductory strop.
@Dansco, from what I gathered, it takes a lot of practice. The other day someone asked me what happened to your face? I said that I am learning how to shave with a straight razor. I know no one who uses a straight razor so it brings up and interesting but eccentric conversation.
@seveneighth,
My DOVO was honed and stropped by Billy, so I have not stropped it yet. I am beginning to suspect that I could have damaged his work by my improper use of the razor. Maybe it needs to be stropped? I did buy a Kanayama #2196 which I assumed that it was a good introductory strop.
@Dansco, from what I gathered, it takes a lot of practice. The other day someone asked me what happened to your face? I said that I am learning how to shave with a straight razor. I know no one who uses a straight razor so it brings up and interesting but eccentric conversation.
It's unlikely you have damaged the edge on your face. But if you think about it you will dull it more quickly at too steep an angle because you are effectively scraping not cutting.
Try shaving with an angle of 2 spine widths.
You will need to strop between shaves. For this reason it is important to develop your stropping technique. Hanging strops are tricky. Cheap wide ones can easily cup and it takes a while to get the hang of the right amount of pressure and taughtness. You don't want an expensive one to start because you'll be sure to nick it.
On a 3" inch wide balsa or a leather paddle strop it's easier to keep the razor flat. Generally you can get away with thinner cheaper leather on a paddle. Look for one with smooth leather on one side or canvas or napped leather on the other.
I like getting smooth leather for my second side and napping it myself with ultra fine wire wool. That way I can get a very subtle finish. I make my own paste but the Dovo crayons are perfectly OK. Always finish on a plain leather strop though.
9 times out of 10 the biggest damge caused to a newbies blade edge is stropping not shaving badly.
1:- a clean shave no nicks cuts or gushers is a good start
2:- your blade will get better after 2 or 3 shaves.
3:- your tech will improve shave after shave, to begin with concerntrate on cheeks and neck line, muscle memory is the biggest hurdle.
4:- enjoy the challenge watch loads of youtube vids and stretch the skin ,as this was my biggest improvement.
As for billys edge, nobody has ever said " billys blades they aint sharp enough" nope ,never heard that said. Dont give up your blade can be resharpened if need, but your stropping and shaving technique needs to improve first.
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