Sharp razor feels dull? - Help!

[ChesterPulley]

So, I have been straight shaving for a while now and have been getting consistent BBS shaves (DFS in trouble spots) with my AOS Dovo 5/8. I recently acquired a Dovo 6/8 "La Forma" from The Superior Shave (Excellent site!) I ordered that one because I'm an addict and my AOS was starting to give me weepers and a little skip and jump here and there, but I was still getting amazingly close shaves.

My Issue:
My Forma is shave ready from TSS, but will not cut hair on my face ATG. Its perplexing as hell! The first day I didn't strop it and figured it was due to that, so the second day I did 35 linen and 70 leather and it felt a little better but still barely managed to get close on the XTG. Then I tested it on my arm and found it needed a bit of a steeper angle than I was used to. It popped the hairs off my arm better than my AOS razor ever did. So this morning I tried to apply that knowledge to my shave and had better results but still got what I would consider a SAS with some good DFS spots. ITS MADDENING!

Oh yeah and today I stropped it on my Kanayama 25 Suede and 50 leather pre, 15/30 post.

Can someone help me? Is it a different blade, so a different sweet spot as far as angle? Did I loose my MOJO? Am I wearing my pants on my head?

 

[Doc226]

Don't think you lost your MoJo. Everyone has a bad day honing, maybe Jarrod just had a bad day with your razor. It's more likely you have not gotten the angle down with your new razor.

If you determine it needs honing I will hone it for you for the price of shipping. PM me if interested.

 

[noahpictures]

It might need a touch up.

 

[global_dev]

Then I tested it on my arm and found it needed a bit of a steeper angle than I was used to. It popped the hairs off my arm better than my AOS razor ever did.

That's really strange.. I don't think it's a sweet spot issue, how was the aos razor finished?

 

[ChesterPulley]

That's really strange.. I don't think it's a sweet spot issue, how was the aos razor finished?

No idea! I asked them at the store when I purchased it (Brick & Mortar) and they told me it was a toss up of if it was even shave ready or not, as it is hand-made by someone from Dovo. I was lucky enough to have it actually be shave ready.


Noah,

The blade is brand spanking new and only has 2 or 3 shaves on it so unless it wasn't quite there to begin with, I wouldn't think a touch up is necessary. It could be though. Everyone recommends TSS as a good place to get shave-ready straights so I have no doubt in Jarrod's hone job. As I mentioned I do have a couple DFS areas on my face so I think it has the ability to cut well, maybe its just having a tough time with the driver! haha

 

[Wid]

If you were proficient with your other razor then the edge has to be in question. I am really surprised the AOS razor was shave ready as they don't hand hone their razors and Dovo's do not come out of the box shave ready. It could be you're not used to a coticule edge, that's what Jarrod uses. I've shaved off his edges and from my experience he does a masterful job at honing.

 

[Kentos]

Are they both the same grind?

 

[noahpictures]

No idea! I asked them at the store when I purchased it (Brick & Mortar) and they told me it was a toss up of if it was even shave ready or not, as it is hand-made by someone from Dovo. I was lucky enough to have it actually be shave ready.


Noah,

The blade is brand spanking new and only has 2 or 3 shaves on it so unless it wasn't quite there to begin with, I wouldn't think a touch up is necessary. It could be though. Everyone recommends TSS as a good place to get shave-ready straights so I have no doubt in Jarrod's hone job. As I mentioned I do have a couple DFS areas on my face so I think it has the ability to cut well, maybe its just having a tough time with the driver! haha

I would accept Doc's generous offer.

 

[jpcwon]

It could be you're not used to a coticule edge, that's what Jarrod uses. .

That could have something to do with it IMO. I know that when I first started with coticules it took me a little while to get used to the resulting edge...

 

[life2short1971]

I would get it honed again.

 

[ChesterPulley]

I think I might just have to take Doc up on the offer if the shave isn't better tomorrow morning... What is the difference with a coticule edge? Isn't sharp and smooth just sharp and smooth? I want to get into honing in 2013 so I would like to hear the answer! (I've been eyeing coti's already)

 

[life2short1971]

Yes basically sharp and smooth is similar with all hones but coticules are usually smoother than most others. The blade angle should not change just because of the hone though. The blade yes but not the hone. I only hone with coticules and Thuringians myself as I believe they are the best edges for razors.

 

[ChesterPulley]

Yes basically sharp and smooth is similar with all hones but coticules are usually smoother than most others. The blade angle should not change just because of the hone though. The blade yes but not the hone. I only hone with coticules and Thuringians myself as I believe they are the best edges for razors.

Hmmm... interesting... Well it looks like I had a good mind to be eying coticules! Today the shave was a bit better still, I was trying to scythe a bit more and use a diagonal stroke while the razor was parallel to the floor. It seemed to work better. I'm stubborn so I'm gonna see this through until I get BBS shaves again, or it can't pop the hairs off my arm!