Two more questions for now...

stevekolt

stevekolt

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Jan 9, 2007
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1. Generally how long will it be between honings? I only shave my cheeks and below my beard line 1-2 x per week.

2. I'm wanting to buy another razor in order to have one to use when I send the first one in for a honing. My first one is a Dovo ⅝ with the yellow handle. Currently looking at a Dovo ⅝ in stainless with an ebony handle, and another Dovo ⅝ in carbon with a tortoiseshell handle. $10 difference between the two. Which one would y'all buy, and why?
 
In general about six months is a good average from what I can gather from talking to other guys. Everyone's mileage will vary, some strops seem to be magical and keep blades going for years. Since your use is going to be pretty low, as long as your stropping is good, I'd guess you'd get a year or more before the stones are needed.
As for which to buy, I like carbon but the reality is that with care, a carbon steel blade will last as long as a stainless one, and with modern stones the little extra work it takes to hone a stainless is pretty minimal. The stainless may last longer in your case, since you might avoid the microscopic oxidation between shaves. But I don't know if thats the case. I would buy the one that you think looks better.
 
Any difference as far as longevity/problems between ebony and plastic in this application?
 
Steve, GG's advice is dead on. I've used both CS and SS and the difference is minimal and almost goes unnoticed until you hone them. If you get a chance, once you're comfortable with the 5/8 give the 6/8 a try, its odd but I find the wider blade easier to strop without biting into the leather and it carries a bit more lather.

Wood vs imitation tortoise: I'd go with wood but that just me; as far as longevity goes, the wood (if not finished with a waterproof coat) will need care to stay looking healthy while the synthetic can look new even on a vintage razor.
 
The tortoise look scales are no longer made with celluloid, to the best of my knowledge, and there is risk there with older blades. Either of them will probably outlive you, but the tortoise might be a little more durable as far as bumps and dings goes.
 
Order placed for the ebony. Next question...just stropped my first one. Didn't know that the 2" strop would not be wide enough when I ordered my first set from SRD. Will the 3" strop be easier to use?
 
I've stropped on stuff quite thin, even gutted paracord (although I wouldn't recommend it) I find a 2 inch a good width, and I think that with most blades, a X-Stroke gives a better contact. I have no proof of this, but I fee like by moving across as well as down, you avoid the effects that high spots, or a slight curve in the strop might have. You can always up to a wider strop if you feel the need to, but I would just hold off for now, and see how things go with what you've got.
 
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