Thread: Getting my blade near Boston shave-ready

I'm new to wet shaving; I bought a razor, brush, soap and strop at Leavitt & Peirce in Harvard Square yesterday. This morning I tried using it for the first time, and though there were no mishaps and I felt pretty comfortable, it just didn't seem like the razor was sharp enough or cutting hair effectively.

The razor is a Dovo Astrale. Unfortunately the only one left in the shop was the display one; I did end up getting it (for a discount), but I'm not so sure about the shaving ability of the edge right now. Further cause for concern is my bad stropping technique, which I hope to improve later.

What advice do you have for making sure my razor is shave-ready? (Is there a place where I can get it honed near Boston, for instance?) I don't see the point in practicing on an ineffective blade. On the other hand, I wonder how quickly I can remove that edge with improper technique.

Thanks!

unless you hook up with a senior member in your area which I believe Pete is close to you, sending it out is the most reliable way, cause lots say they can sharpen your razor but they tend to wreck them. knife guys cant seem to get that straight. and power tools for sharpening aint good for razors. we have several guys on the forum who you can mail them to and you will start right, more than likely your Dovo just has a factory edge on it, so we don't know what you have.

and yes stropping is to be learned not just going to pick it up right away. but go slow so you don't mess up the edge, here again Pete can work with you so you can see what needs done. One on one is the best way. also remember your technique is a learning process too, and some take as many as a hundred shaves to really start knowing how to save well, so you could have a shave ready razor and not know it.. ask if you want some referrals on honing by PM and I,ll guide you there, But Pete can help with that too, Tc

I normally reside in Cambridge, so I know the store Leavitt & Peirce quite well. Great place. If I were in town, I'd try to help you out, but I'm in France for the next few months. At one point, several weeks back, I was chatting with one of the clerks at L & P and asked them about their razor honing service. As I recall, they said someone in Revere did it for them: drop off the razor by Friday and it would be ready the next Friday, or something like that. Now, I have no experience with their honing service as I hone my own blades, and cannot vouch for it, but you might try that as a first option, especially as you bought your set-up from them.

I spent four years walking past Leavitt and Peirce, and never once considered setting foot in the place. I had no idea that it sold shaving supplies.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I spent four years walking past Leavitt and Peirce, and never once considered setting foot in the place. I had no idea that it sold shaving supplies.

They have two street display windows. One is dedicated to tobacco and smoking products and the other to toiletries. In the midst of the toiletries they will tuck vintage razors, and new soaps, brushes, and aftershaves. It's great 'cause you can go inside and smell the aftershaves.

Did you ever visit Colonial Drug in Harvard Square? It also sold shaving stuff, but sadly, closed few years back, or relocated to Watertown, or somewhere cheaper to pay rent...

When I first started it seemed like the razor wasn't cutting hair effectively. I know mine was shave ready, it was my technique. I was using too much pressure. I get much closer shaves using no pressure at all. It's difficult to do at first but you will get there.

As others have said though I would recommend getting someone to have a look at the edge for you, just to be sure. If there is someone local maybe they can help you with your stropping technique too.

Good luck and enjoy.

Thank you for all this; it's quite helpful! I'd read about Colonial Drug – they moved to Newton a few years back. I considered going out there, but without a car it would be a bit of a trip that was hard to justify given that I was literally passing by L&P on the way to lunch.

L&P had a very small selection of razors (four blades, all from Solingen), but I'd heard Dovo were reliable so I didn't hesitate too much. They had some good-looking brushes, and their soaps and aftershaves all looked nice.

I think I'll start by checking with L&P tomorrow and see what they can do or at least recommend. In the meantime, I've been practicing my stropping and I think I can do it well enough now not to hurt the edge!

Like I said in your introductory thread, if you need help or want to meet up I'd be glad to.
I don't run a honing service, however I do all my own honing and quite a bit for friends, referrals and family.
If you don't have the time to drive out and meet and want to mail me the razor, I'd be glad to hone it for you for no charge.
I'm just a PM away.

Pete <:-}

Howard Schechter (The Perfect Edge | For all your sharpening/honing supplies) is in Shrewsbury, if you want to go for a drive. You can see him work here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z1voZKvGW8

Originally Posted by ansibil

I'm new to wet shaving;
I bought a razor, brush, soap and strop at Leavitt & Peirce in Harvard Square yesterday.
... honing...

Remember that a hone master is just fixed rate USPS box away anyplace
in the continental US. If you find one locally you are golden. Looks like you
have a local offer...

The Dovo Astrale is a darn fine razor.

Do not send it to me for honing. I might shave test it for a couple years just to make sure...
Like I said darn fine razor.