Thread: Just got my first SE, need some advice

Hey Guys, I had a blast with my DE and decided to finally get an SE (I've wanted one since I was 18 but was scared.) I have had two shaves with it and no nicks or cuts yet, a bit of razor burn.
The problem is it feels like its tugging on the hairs, I'm not sure if this is just my crappy beginner technique or my blade or both. I have stropped it before shaving (20 linen/50 leather). I have done a fair bit of research on technique for shaving and stropping so im pretty confident I am doing it right but poorly at the moment.
I bought a Dovo 5/8 Straight Razor in classic Black that is meant to be shave ready, what do you all think?
Also if it does need to be honed im in Sydney Australia and im not sure where to take it/where to buy a wet stone from.
Thank you in advance!

also I just posted that on r/Wicked_Edge and was directed here. Thanks you

Was the razor professionally honed or just the factory "shave ready" edge? If it wasn't pro honed I'd recommend you send it to someone. That should help a lot.

Other things that might make a rough shave are prep & pressure. Do as much as you can of the first, and as little as possible of the second. Also be sure to keep the skin pulled tight.

I believe onimaru55 is from down under. A pm to him should yield good result. Tugging razor is a dull razor or you haven't prepped your beard well enough. Since you have been having good times with a DE likely your str8 is dull.

Stropping can dull a razor in a couple of passes badly enough to need rehoning. Stropping takes some practice to develop. Razor burn can happen from too much pressure which can be the result of a dull blade. Proper angle is sometimes a culprit in either case. 30 degrees from flat on the face if you have to lift it higher the blade is likely dull.

It really does just keep getting better.

Thanks for the reply guys, I watched 3 videos on stropping and was very careful, rolling the blade and only using blade pressure, im sure I made some mistakes but I tired to be as slow and methodical as I can, I cant afford to break my blade lol. As for prep I use MR GLO pre shave, then I used Mitchell's Wool Fat Shave soap. I used an alum block then I used institute de paris after shave with Shea butter. I have a pure badger hair brush which I soaked while I showered. I also warmed the blade in my hand before I stropped it.

Edit: I just emailed onimaru55, thanks guys!

Hi, onimaru55 really helped me with advice in honing a 'troublesome' razor I have (a De Pews). Simply based on his advice, I'd trust any of my razors to him. We'll help you get started with honing when you're ready, and anything else for that matter. I've never used Mitchell's Wool Fat, but I hear it can be 'iffy'. In my experience, soaps can be more difficult to get a good lather with than with creams, but maybe that's just me.

There's heaps of info here on hones. I use a Norton 4/8 and a Shapton 16k. Just the Shapton 16k will get you out of trouble if the razor dulls, but I'd highly recommend the Norton as well if you can afford both. You can shave off the 8k, or even the 4k for that matter, but I find the Shapton 16k a good touch up stone. Also, the Shapton doesn't need soaking, so it's quick to use.

Carl

thanks for the reply Carl, I got a sampler pack from Garry( Garry's Sample Shop) with some MWF, tabac, some different shaving creams, after shaves and pre-shave items. I usually use Proraso Shave soup(I have green and white) and pre-shave cream. I will leave honing for now, stropping and shaving technique are enough but I'll remember your advice for the future!