How did I do?

[NBT]

Well...pulled the plug on a few items since I have had the opportunity to shave with a straight....and enjoy it. Larry Andro got me started with a beginners kit...and it has worked very well. It's actually nice to look forward to shaving...the Mrs's is liking the new scent's associated with shaving.
I have compiled a list of recent items ordered.
So if after reviewing the list I provide...someone see's a needed item, please list it, so I may acquire it in the near future. I know there are mixed reviews about the Dovo...only way for me to give it a fair shake is to try one.

Ordered these from Bob Keyes
Not this specific razor, but it' s close to it.
Four Sided Paddle Strop (Vintage) (No Pic of it...yet)

From The Gentleman's Quarter
Desert Ironwood Shaving soap

Cavendish Black Shaving Soap

Sandalwood

Altesse Black handle - BEST - Badger

Wood shaving bowl(s) 1 Dark & 1 Light to match my brushes

Shave mug from the B&B... Thanks Tom / HoosierTrooper

I did get some Aqua Velva after shave...and I am open to suggestions for products that compliment the above soaps.

Thanks for looking, and for any info regarding.

 

[michiganlover]

Is that a 1000/4000 combo stone?

If so, you are still going to need a 8000 grit stone to properly hone your razors. As I understand it, a 1000 grit stone is only used with Ebay/antique store specials that need some serious TLC on their edge. It shouldn't be necessary at all on a razor that is just dull, and already has a bevel set on it.

Also, you will need some sort of finisher after the Norton 8000, be it CrOx pasted balsa, diamond paste, or something like a Chinese 12k.

The rest of your choices look just fine to me.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Is that a 1000/4000 combo stone?

If so, you are still going to need a 4000 grit stone to properly hone your razors. As I understand it, a 1000 grit stone is only used with Ebay/antique store specials that need some serious TLC on their edge. It shouldn't be necessary at all on a razor that is just dull, and already has a bevel set on it.

Also, you will need some sort of finisher after the Norton 8000, be it CrOx pasted balsa, diamond paste, or something like a Chinese 12k.

The rest of your choices look just fine to me.

+1...John nailed it. I wouldn't touch that 1,000 for a while if I were you...but as far as the rest of your choices go...

 

[LarryAndro]

You have to try the all-time favorite soap, Mitchell's Wool Fat, some time. Other than that, nice! The Dovo will do fine also. I have one that I use about once weekly.

 

[NBT]

+1...John nailed it. I wouldn't touch that 1,000 for a while if I were you...but as far as the rest of your choices go...

It's a 1K/8K.... I got the 1K for finishing some of my knives. Been collecting knives for a "few years".
I am looking at a few other stones as well. The 8 should do ok when I need it. Right now I have no need to sharpen the straight Larry sent me... directions are great...shave...strop...shave...strop. Blade is plenty sharp...and I intend to keep it that way.

You have to try the all-time favorite soap, Mitchell's Wool Fat, some time. Other than that, nice! The Dovo will do fine also. I have one that I use about once weekly.

That's the sample you sent me correct? Works great, is there a place/link to get a puck of it? The brush you sent me, hands down is better than the one I just picked up. Today I had a great shave... I think you label it a DFS? Finally got XTG, and the verdict is still out...will see if I get razor burn under the chin as a result.

Pair of my Randall's

What I have set up for the moment...product's inbound.

 

[Pinski]

I don't know anything about Ringdove but I love the look of that bright yellow. What a clean looking razor. . . I'm jealous.

 

[NBT]

Got some of the items today, and had to have a shave...and a great shave I had.
I am really starting to enjoy myself, and no razor burn at all with the straight's

Here is the razor (and strop) I purchased from Bob Keyes, and shaved with this morning.
Lathered up with Cavendish Black, used the Best Badger that Larry set me up with, and followed up with a splash of Aqua...what a refreshing way to start the morning. On a side note, when I make my XTG pass...under my chin get's real "sensitive"...and it's feels like razor burn is imminent. Does this pass with time, or is this just part of it? I am really surprised that I do not have razor burn the next day, because if I had this sensation with a disposable...I would be hurting the next day.
I do notice that the hair under my chin/neck, pretty much grows from left to right... not up or down. This is from ear to ear...should I change technique from shaving up...to right to left for a XTG pass?
The only place that the hair grows up, is next to my adams apple...on both sides. The rest of my face follows a pretty normal pattern...so it has not been an issue.
TIA for any info/suggestions.

 

[LarryAndro]

... That's the sample you sent me correct? Works great, is there a place/link to get a puck of it? ...

Some time back, I researched and Connaught Shaving was the best source...

http://www.connaughtshaving.com/mitchellsrefill.html

There might be other good locations. But, Connaught mails quickly, and it doesn't take long to receive even though coming from the UK.

 

[LarryAndro]

Just reviewed my post, and that vendor is banned! There must be a mistake in identity. Oh, well...

 

[NBT]

This Larry? http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Mitchells-Wool-Fat-Shaving-Soap-Refill_p_64.html

Shaved with the Dovo last night. Picked this one up off the "For Sale" section. This has been the first 6/8 that I have used...a bit heavier....but the blade seemed fitting for my hands.

Used the Saddlewood from TGQ, and made 3 passes without incident
Anyone have suggestions for my above post about the way the hair on my neck lay's down? My cheeks follow the normal scenario...hair grows down from the sideburns.
Under the chin, and the neck is tough to get a XTG pass in, with the way the hair grows from left to right.

 

[Gustav]

I have the same problem on the neck the hair grows down and out to the sides making it very difficult to get at the hairs. Here are a couple of suggestions that might work (for details see my thread "Gus's shave diary"):

1. Posture allowing for closer shave: If you are standing in front of the mirror with both feet next to each other, take a step back with your right foot, lean forward slightly with your upper body and bend your head right back. This stretches your neck skin nice and tight, the forward lean allows you to see what you are doing in the mirror and you have more freedom of hand movement because your upper body is not in the way. I then shave the left side of my neck with my right hand. On the left side you just do it the other way around. On some parts of the neck, this allows you to shave XTG much the way you would with a DE, that is, perpendicular to the jaw-line if you get my meaning.

2. Stretching skin away from the Adam's apple: put your right hand on the right side of your neck, your thumb should be pointing downwards and the tipps of your fingers should be feeling the outcrops of your spine, then squeeze your hand. This should draw the skin away from the Adam's apple allowing you with your free hand to shave the piece of skin XTG which used to be on the Adma's apple.

3. My latest attempt at removing stubborn stubble: WARNING the risk of cutting yourself is a lot higher. Part of the problem with shaving the neck just below the jaw line is that there is not enough space to fit the entire blade perpendicularly to the jawline. If you open your razor as far as it will go so that the bottom part of the spine is resting on the scales and then place it slightly askew on the area you want to shave with the scales parallel to the floor, you can then pull the razor in a motion parallel to the floor, over the area. I have found this slicing motion quite effective but once again be EXTREMELY CAREFUL if you try this.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[NBT]

Thanks Erik,

I am in your diary right now...nice to see I am not the only one with this problem. I was going to adventure into DE's to tackle the problem...but that's not where I planned on going with my shaving... I like the straight's.
I have some reading to do in your journal...and I will tackle the above advice on my next shave. Once I get the technique down... I should be able to achieve a BBS shave...right now that's about the only thing holding me back.

 

[Gustav]

Thanks Erik,

I am in your diary right now...nice to see I am not the only one with this problem. I was going to adventure into DE's to tackle the problem...but that's not where I planned on going with my shaving... I like the straight's.
I have some reading to do in your journal...and I will tackle the above advice on my next shave. Once I get the technique down... I should be able to achieve a BBS shave...right now that's about the only thing holding me back.

That is the spirit! This neck problem is frustrating, irritating and daunting but it is only a matter of doggedly persevering until you find something that works for you. I am already heaps better at tackling this problem. I forgot to add that when your stubble grows sideways, as you describe, ATG is not particularly effective. Give it a shot but do not be taken aback if it does no good at all.

 

[NBT]

Well an update, I have tackled the neck a bit better. I started shaving smaller areas at a time, and it seems to have helped. Part 3 of your post Erik has helped dramatically, and I must say that I have been able to shave the neck without too much trouble...it made me break a sweat at first with the "slicing motion"...but after a few blade handling maneuvers, and technique...I believe I got it.
I did get a new razor (to me) this morning...and I am about to give her a test drive...I'm rather excited about this one...and this is my first Hiljestrand.
My razors below to date...have the desire for a few more, then I am calling it good... need a TI, and a Harner...then the razor shopping will slow for a while.
On a side note...I have grown fond of the TGQ Desert Ironwood soap....and the brush Larry put together for me.

 

[NBT]

Well... FINALLY.... got a BBS shave this morning. What a great feeling after weeks of practice...I never thought I would look forward to shaving...and all the advice, reading, and video's paid off.
Started this morning with a nice hot shower...got out, and heated up some water in the micro. Filled up my vintage OS mug, and soaked the brush Larry Andro sent me with my noob kit. Felt like a TGQ Desert Ironwood morning, so after giving the brush a shake...gave her a few swirls in the soap.
Poured out the water from the OS mug...minus a 1/2 t, and began to lather her up. Figured I would pull the Dovo Bismark out this morning, and after getting a nice hot lather, soaped up....first pass WTG....hair popping as I went. No nicks to speak of. Got a hot washcloth out, and heated up the face again...then lathered up one side of my face...then ATG pass...then the other side...then the neck...and so on. Hot washrag again...then more lather...for the XTG pass...so far so good. Got a nick near my chin...no biggie. I continued to work small areas, and after 20 minutes of shaving...Got it.
Started the clean up of the brush...razor...and turned on the cold, for a cold water splash to the face...slight burn, as I was pretty aggressive...but all was well. Got the Aqua out after a light towel dry...and boom...love the sting and cool burn as the Aqua Velva seats in. This is the first time in many years I have had a BBS shave...honestly...not sure I can say that I have ever achieved this.
Anyhow...just a thanks to everyone here at the B&B that has made this a rewarding experience