Smooth
 

That's what my face is right now. I received a Dovo straight razor kit (the razor, brush, strop, mug, soap, stand and styptic pencil) as a Christmas gift. I've never shaved with a straight razor before or even a safety razor, always a mach 3 or the like. It's a night and day comparison between the quality of the shave and how your skin feels afterwards. The kit also came with a really helpful DVD packed full of good information for beginners. Anyone else use a straight razor?

Let's just hope there isn't a follow-up post titled "Shorn".

styptic pencil.....just in case

No, never used a straight razor.

I would back away from a shave kit comes with something to stop the bleeding. I use a mug and brush instead of the canned stuff. Much better. I have my granddad's 60-70 yr old straight razor and the sucker is still sharp but I don't plan on using it other than for self defense if I am attacked by Ninjas in the master bathroom.

I have been using a brush and mug soap with a safety razor... bought a strop and straight razor but haven't had the nads to use it yet.

Just found an old school Filipino barber in my area... he used a straight razor on the back of my neck and I know what you are saying.

Next time I go in for a hair cut I am going to pay him for a shave and see if I can pick up the technique.

I've been wanting one for a while. I've also had several shaves at a barber recently. It really is a good way to pick up on the little tricks and tips. Taking your time and not being afraid to go ahead and thrown a hot towel on your face and relather a few times are pretty essential. I managed to get in a pretty close shave with just a with-the-grain and across pass in about 25 minutes and didn't cut myself. I'm considering it a victory for a first time.
Anyone interested should check out vintagebladesllc.com, I'm told that's where the kit comes from.

I have been wanting to do this for a while. Worried about blade up keep, does your DVD say if you will have to use a stone on it from time to time?

Also, do you know where your kit came from?

The DVD goes over honing, but most modern blades won't need it for a long time if stropped properly.
Vintagebladesllc.com is where the kit came from and I believe that there's a discount on the DVD when you buy a kit.

Styptic pencil hell, I'd need a tourniquet!

I have a Dovo. Screw the soap and brush....go for Kiehl's Close Shaver Squadron with Menthol and Camphor. Your face becomes numb and feels cool. Great feeling.

Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle, Skincare and Body Formulations | Kiehl's Since 1851

Please don't use the straight razor on your sack. We've already had enough of those kinds of threads!

Brush and mug for me. What my Dad used. Nothing beats it. Straight razor? Uh, no. I have one or two, but no.

I thought the same thing at first, but honestly unless you're a complete moron you're not going to cut yourself badly. Just don't move the blade side to side and things should be OK.

Where would you tie off??
I like my nice safe 5 blade!
My barber shaves the back of my neck with a straight blade but I have never had a shave from one.

Enough said.

Right at the neck, there's not much alive up there anyway.

My Barber uses a stright blade on my neck, and I can see how it would be a great shave, but I just don't have the nerve to try it.

Hmmm, I kinda enjoy the whole soap and brush thing, but it looks like Belks carries that line so I'll have to give it a try. Menthol and Camphor sound like an awesome idea in a shave cream/soap, I wonder if there are any soaps that incorporate those ingredients.....

I picked up some of that stuff at Belk the other day and just gave it a try today Embraer. That was a great shave! Thanks for the tip. I'm probably going to look around for a cake of soap with those ingredients and keep the Kiehls for travel with my DE.