Thread: Razor burn with new razor- beginner needs advice

I have only 3 shaves with my new razor (5/8 Dovo) and I am experiencing pulling of the whiskers as I shave. My face is getting "razor burn" sensitivity. I assume that either the razor is not sharp or that my technique is terrible. I am using a sandlewood shave soap from Crabtree that I have used for many years with a double blade Gillette without problem. I have watched the stropping video and think I am doing it correctly on a paddle strop I purchased from Sharpening Source. I have watched Lynn's video as well. Any suggestions on what might be the problem would be appreciated.

In general razor burn is caused by too much pressure. If we feel the razor isn't 'cutting it' there is a the tendency to use more pressure until we begin to refine our technique. If you visualize attempting to cut a tomato by pushing the edge of the knife through it, as opposed to slicing it, you'll get an idea of a technique for shaving whiskers that works better.

Essential that the blade angle be correct and no pressure or you'll slice yourself. In the SRP library , beginner's guide Lynn has an article on the 'First straight razor shaves', where he recommends beginning with the side burn on the first shave, moving on to the cheeks on the next few. Finish with your DE as your technique and confidence improve. Eventually move onto the more difficult areas. I used a DE for my first few weeks of SR shaving.

Once I got past the learning curve I went SR exclusively with great success. If any of this applies to your situation give it a try.

I will try to focus on blade angle and less pressure. Thank you!

Jimmy has given you some great info and advice there.

I would only add that, since you didn't mention where the razor was purchased, and since you spoke of it tugging on your whiskers, you make sure it is truly shave ready. If you post where you got it, we may be able to tell you if it came professionally honed or not. If it is a Dovo factory edge, it may not be sharp enough to shave comfortably. If you bought it from a vendor who doesn't professionally hone first, I would suggest sending it out to be run across the stones.

If you do send it out to be honed, when you get it back, shave with it without stropping so that you know what it truly should feel like. That way, in the future, you can eliminate variables that may be causing the razor to not be so keen.

All good info above for sure.
Razor burn is bad news for sure.I see new SR users just transitioning from D.E.s talk about tugging all the time.
This to me do's not mean the blade is less than shave ready,you have a far greater edge surface area to deal with.
Some tugging I feel is normal ,alot of tugging is I feel all about blade angle

Crouton976- I purchased it from Classic Edge. Do you know if they are known for professional honing before sending out? Thank you.

Yep, Phil does hone the blades before sending them out, and from what I gather on the forum here, does a mighty fine job.

Knowing that, I would probably say that, and this is just a guess, what you're experiencing is a combination of the pressure and technique Jimmy was referring to and the pulling that pixelfixed talked about as well. The only other variables would be your stropping technique or beard prep, though I'd think the prep was covered given your background with wet shaving already.

On your next few shaves, take your time and really focus on your pressure and angle. You may have to play with the angle a bit, but that's relatively easy to fix- you start with the blade relatively flat and gradually increase the angle until it's cutting hairs efficiently and comfortably. Once you reach that point, you've found your correct angle. As for the pressure, I like gssixgun's analogy of imagining a layer of water on top of your face and trying to skim the water without touching skin. Obviously, you WILL be touching skin, but the pressure should be that light. You want just enough to keep the blade on your skin but not actually press the skin. Take short strokes and above all else, DON"T RUSH IT.

If neither of these suggestions help after a few shaves, it may be time to examine your strop technique. The good news is you've already been researching it and have at least a head knowledge of how to do it. All that remains now is having the muscle memory to go with the knowledge.

One final note- part of the burn and discomfort may just be your face getting used to a new way of shaving. Think about using your muscles... we use them all to a degree, but it's only when we use them in a way we don't normally that we feel discomfort. It could be the same principle here- your face is used to shaving, just not with a straight. Just like with muscles, given time it will work itself out.

Keep optimistic and remember to focus on one variable at a time. You'll eventually get all the cosmic tumblers to line up and have the best shave of your life!

I've been curious about that, pixel... I guess for me, since I hadn't shaved in a couple of years, I didn't think about there being more surface area. My hat's off to you, sir!

I am 5 weeks or thereabouts in and though I do still get some discomfort sometimes, it does calm down fairly quickly. I already do a lot less prep (almost none) than I did at first, and it is getting easier and better all the time.
Once things came together I started tweaking ons bit at a time, if I got a dud shave I would change it back.
If your skin is sore give it a day or two off, you are allowed to use cartridge/ disposables if you want, I still use a cartridge when I am in a rush, I figure I can get 5-7 shaves out of one so each cartridge will last me a few months at least.
Or just dont shave, the best shave I had was after 3 days growth.
Anyway persevere and you will get there

Originally Posted by edhewitt

If your skin is sore give it a day or two off, you are allowed to use cartridge/ disposables if you want, I still use a cartridge when I am in a rush, I figure I can get 5-7 shaves out of one so each cartridge will last me a few months at least.
Or just dont shave, the best shave I had was after 3 days growth.
Anyway persevere and you will get there

This is spot on. If you keep irritating your skin, the razor burn/bumps will take much longer to go away.

Personally, to help speed the healing time, I use a quality lotion (Nivea for men or Lubriderm) at least twice a day (when I get up and right before bed) and allow a couple of days between shaves. If at the end of 2 or 3 days everything hasn't healed, I'll either wait longer or, if I must shave, I'll shave with a double edge safety razor, and only with the grain. It at least keeps me presentable and provides the best method to keep from irritating my skin any more than is necessary.

DBeard, I know you said your next shave had improved, so obviously you did something right. I'm surely interested to hear how well your next few go as well. It goes without saying that I, and the rest of the members here, will be more than happy to offer advice for you if you hit another snag.