Thread: First Straight Razor: Won't cut my hair (yes, another post like this)

Haha.

I know this is extremely common, but I cannot perfume the shave ready test because I have a beard. I use my razors to shave my head daily.

Anyways, I picked up a straight razor from a PIF and had it professionally honed by Glen (gssixgun). Even from the first shave, I struggled for it to cut hair. I have a very strong background with aggressive DE and SE razors so I have a general understand of how a blade feels and sounds when hair is being cut. I know how the technique differs as well.

Any tips for stropping? I keep the spine flat and do the X motion; could it be the razor being dull? Sorry for the obnoxious post. I know that this subject has been covered countless times but I would like some personal feedback on the matter.

Well I dont think gssixgun would deliver less than a perfect edge given his experience and reputation. Stropping incorrectly can certainly dull an edge quickly. I used a paddle strop for a month as I was constantly rolling my edges. The only thing I would recommend is watching some stropping videos and see if your technique dulled it. Dont feel bad if it was. As many make the same mistakes. Sorry if I cant be more helpful.

Yea I think I applied too much pressure.

I guess I'll stick with double edge for now even though I invested a lot of money to learn SR shaving .

I really can't afford anymore. Super bummer.

I would hone it for you for postage. Im not putting myself in the same class as gssixgun, just looking to help you out here. I remember thr first days it was not easy. Pm me if you are interested. Btw I have honed about 300 razors so you wont be disappointed.

Thanks a lot man. What's the cheapest way to ship?

Appreciate the classy gesture!

Usps. Under 6 bucks with tracking rountrip. Bubble wrap or in a box is recommended. I will return it tue same way you sent it. Pm for address. If yiu dont want tracking its a little less.

youtube video's really helped me with shaving with a straight. I have a 2.5" strop and a 3" strop. I use to keep my strops pulled fairly drawn tight. After slowing down to see what was happening I noticed the whole edge was not in contact while stropping, just the heel and toe
(cupped strop? maybe). Now I leave a little slack in the strop, using little to no pressure. I found that the complete edge was in contact by doing this with the strop using an X stroke. The result my edge improved.

Strop tight until you get the flip down. After I hone it I will strop it, so lather and shave. You can use the strop on a flat surface also.

Before I would have the razor honed, I would give it a few more tries. You can always have it re-honed. The biggest problem new people have usually is blaming the razor when learning good technique is normally the problem.

Have fun.

Yes, that's the problem with giving advice to rookies. Often times it's technique that's the problem not the razor. If that is the case you will be honing and honing because the edge will be compromised again and again until you get it right.