Thread: First shave with a real straight this morning. Eh.......

If you really want to eliminate the question of whether your stropping is an issue, a way to do this would be to get the razor rehoned, but after one shave I think you would be close to winning the fastest turnaround prize. Certainly a lot cheaper than buying another razor, yes I know you were joking.

Thank You Ed,

I'm going to think positive and say it's my technique. We'll find out as the week goes on. The razor having a different/better feel with my right non dominant hand makes me think that's it.

I am a lefty too, I really struggle to do much with my right hand effectively, except stopping stuff in the vicinity of my right wrist from falling on the floor, I've been using a straight for about 5 weeks of shaving time, 8 or so weeks actual time.
I used my right hand for half of my right cheek yesterday for the first time, I was a bit nervous as my hand doesn't go where my eyes think it should be, will have to practice doing stuff with it in a mirror. So I did take more care and got a good result, but I didn't enjoy it, I was waiting for the blood to appear. Anyway I will stop waffling, patience is the key. I still dont have the corect angles everywhere, partly because I have a week off straights every 3rd week, and last time was Longer as I was waiting for my razor to come back from the Sharpenists. Take your time, if the spine is too close to your face all you will do is remove your lather, but if its too far away you will remove your comfort, I am slowly learning this, I can get smooth, but the comfort is somewhat lacking some.days.

Yea, it is mostly in the angles and next to no pressure for the shaving part. Another thing that can make a big difference is having a good lather going. I am guessing that since you have good results from the shavette the lather and pressure part are taken care of already.

Bob

Success!

It was all me luckily. I'm thinking that I was just being too light handed and not guiding the razor enough so it was skipping which I interpreted as pulling. Once I gave it a little more pressure it cut no problem. I stropped the night before, 20 on the webbing and 50 on the leather.

Thanks everyone for your guidance and encouragement!

Eric

Congratulations. Well on the way now

Mer

I purchased a Ralf Aust from Straight Razor Design and had to give it a real good strop. Somewhere between -100-150 passes. If you look at the edge with a magnifier you will see that it was honed but is still rough. After a good strop you will then see a good polished smooth edge. The shave will be totally different.

Yea, congrats on figuring out it was your technique and dodging the stropping bullet. It will only get better from here on out over time.

Bob

Originally Posted by Mer

Success!

It was all me luckily. I'm thinking that I was just being too light handed and not guiding the razor enough so it was skipping which I interpreted as pulling. Once I gave it a little more pressure it cut no problem. I stropped the night before, 20 on the webbing and 50 on the leather.

Thanks everyone for your guidance and encouragement!

Eric

Nice. Once again technique wins out! Great job!