Thread: Hmph, not what I expected, but interesting nonetheless

Presumably it was shave ready, but I have to go back and look at the invoice and make sure. The description says it is shave ready. \

In my own mind, it was probably about as bad as the worst cartridge I've ever used on the Mach, or like on a well-used disposable. So I'm thinking I messed up the strop somehow, although when I took it out of the package, I put a little shaving creme on my arm and tried to shave with it, and it seemed OK, but of course, the hari-type is completely different.

I'll monkey with it a bit more. I suspect as mentioned earlier, I maybe wasn't holding the strop taut enough, or pushed it down too hard.

I am confident it will get worked out eventually...

I am guessing this is one of my sets from the items included that you have mentioned, strop, paddle, styptic.

Beard prep is everything. If not soft enough even the best of us will have a tough shave. If I rush the prep I get poor shaves as well. All of my razors are honed before sending so I'm pretty confident this is not the problem but would be glad to do it again if you feel that is the issue, no problem. I do know that the fellow who sharpens for me is FAR better than I am at it and would be surprised if it arrived dull.


Go, slow, try it some more. take time with the prep and let me know how you do.

Tony

Hey PC,

Yes, it does get better - from a newb here too, with the same set as I presume that you have. Here is the straight deal - the beard prep really is 85% of the battle, and you have to take your time - I jumped from electric straight to well straights, and it has been a terrible battle to take my time - also remember that as your beard dries it stiffens, so keep it moist throught the shave - this is not a problem with an electric or Mach, because it goes by so fast, but when taking your time - it happens.

After that, the stroping is important, but don't think you are alone - I have nicked and sliced the hell out of my strop too, just be careful and pay attention to your mistakes and don't repeat them. As far as going against the grain, don't do it - yet. Wait until you can maneuver the blade aroudn you face with the grain skillfully, figure out your path and the direction of growth of your beard and get it down - then, slowly, on the flat parts of your face, try going against the grain - and drop the angle of attack against the grain - otherwise you will "skip" across the surface and make a...mess. I went to work one day looking like a fight club reject, and got several inquiries. Always lather and relather, why it starts to go dry, quick hot rinse, relather - always! I am impatient and I keep going over the spots I have already done, without relathering, or over dried out lather and that is not surprisingly where I end up with the most irritation...Once you can do the flats, and have gotten confidence with the grain under your chin (which always brings to mind when I am shaving of the origination of calling straight razors "cut-throats"), then you can take on more and more against the grain...it won't be perfect, probably ever, but it is pretty damn satisfying. I did my first total third pass this morning and while it is not electric close, it feels and smells better, and is very close - and guess what, no irritation! I will keep working on the time and the closeness, and will get it soon.

As far as the styptic, don't give much information there do they? Put it under a little running water first, put the moist styptic against your nick, an spread it around...dry will take forever - but be warned that you will have a white residue that will make a white splotch when it dries, just dab it with a wet washcloth and it will go away.

Remember to dry your blade very well, as it will corrode in a very short amount of time...hang your brush if you can upside down to prevent water and soap leaking down into the base of the hair. I juried rigged a hanger out of a bathrobe hook from Home Depot, and attached it with zip tie, and it works great. Target is your friend for cheap bowls, and the water heater (like for tea).

The final important thing is to find a good cream/soap - it seems that I am on the hunt for the ultimate soap now...some are much better than others, but the lather is important as you have no doubt learned.

If you have any other questions, PM me, and we can discuss. If i have mentioned anything you already know, forgive the redundancy, I just listed several of my most important findings recently.

K