Thread: What am I doing wrong?

So the 3 razors I have are the Dovo Astrale (5/8, half hollow), Col. Conk branded Dovo (6/8, half hollow), and Dovo Silver Steel (5/8, full hollow). They have all been professionally honed. I got the Silver Steel b/c I had the best shave with the Astrale, but the CC was too stiff. I figured this and the full hollow grind would make for a smooth shave.

However, the Silver Steel shaves as if it weren't sharp or my angle is too shallow, but I'm sure it's sharp (Lynn himself by way of vintage blades) and my technique has not changed. I thought it might be the hair length, but I saw some guy shave a full beard on YouTube with only minor nicks. I'm using Proraso as a preshave and Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap. I have experimented with the Bigelow's cream by Proraso as well. My lather seems to be thick enough, but I'm not sure if a poor lather would contribute to that pulling sensation. I know my beard is soft too since it's right out of the shower; my beard isn't even that thick.

The clips I see on YouTube of even first timers seem so much more effortless than my shaves. I know it should be more of a gliding sensation. I want nothing more than to be a proficient straight shaver, but I am considering sticking to my safety razor since I have to use it to clean up my bad straight job anyway. I'm hoping you guys might know where I've gone wrong or suggest some tips to strengthen my resolve!

Well lets start with how many shaves have you tried with a straight ? You may want to stick with one to develop a technique. Work the flats and gradually get the rest when you can make good passes. Then there is the strop. Another new ball game to learn and I have seen many a new straight user mess up an edge with the first strop. Including myself. There are a lot of variables in answering your question and I would suggest reading some of the other beginner posts to see what I am saying. More will chime in with suggestions but more questions will come also. :<0)

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Well lets start with how many shaves have you tried with a straight ? You may want to stick with one to develop a technique. Work the flats and gradually get the rest when you can make good passes. Then there is the strop. Another new ball game to learn and I have seen many a new straight user mess up an edge with the first strop. Including myself. There are a lot of variables in answering your question and I would suggest reading some of the other beginner posts to see what I am saying. More will chime in with suggestions but more questions will come also. :<0)

I have less than 2 dozen shaves under my belt. My stropping technique is definitely novice level, but this was even the first shave with that razor without stropping. I would understand if it became rough after my first stropping. I feel like I can't consistently shave well. I had some good ones with the Astrale, but it's like I've hit a patch of sucking lately. I was hoping this new razor would help, but it hasn't made it easier.

Tomorrow I'm going to try both razors in quick succession to see if I can notice a difference. Realistically, should there not even be a hint of pulling?

Originally Posted by enigmachrysalis

I have less than 2 dozen shaves under my belt. . . .

Tomorrow I'm going to try both razors in quick succession to see if I can notice a difference. Realistically, should there not even be a hint of pulling?

a) 24 shaves = very early days, just starting up the learning curve.

b) Even a really sharp razor must push against a hair, to cut it.

The sharper the razor, the less push is needed. So yes, there should be _just a little bit_ of pulling. The beard doesn't shave itself.

There has been some discussion of "straight-razor sharpness" vs "DE blade sharpness".

There are people who can get their straight-razor edge as sharp as a Feather DE; I am not one of them. But I can get it sharp enough for a comfortable shave.

I don't know what "novice stropping technique" means. If you strop the razor, and the strop stays tight, and doesn't bend around the edge, and the spine _never_ leaves the strop, you're doing OK.

I found that a CrOxide pasted strop, used occasionally, made shaving more comfortable. You shouldn't (according to received wisdom) need a pasted strop with a newly-honed-by-Lynn blade, but it might be worth trying. Your blades -- since you've used them, and stropped them -- might not be quite as good as when they left the shop.

. Charles

PS -- if you can arrange a "home visit" with somebody with experience, you'll get much more reliable answers to your questions. I _know_ what a sharp razor feels like, but I can't convey it over the Internet.

It should glide as good as your DE I would think. I have never used a DE though and I hear there is a learning curve in making the transition. I started with the spine touching my face and worked my way out to not much more than 2 spine widths away maybe a little more at times. You may be applying to much pressure ? I really don't pay that much attention to how much my razors pull when the shave is cutting clean but I do know right away when one is not sharp or needs a stropping. The DE is a little easier to use so like I said before maybe stick to the flats and easy spots till you figure it out. Maybe you need a pre shave oil or different soap. It's hard to tell from here :<0) I would cut down on variables though to make it easier to pin point. using 2 razors will only add to the confusion. Pick the 1 you have the most confidence in and work it till you get going. I know the different grinds will give different feedback and require some sort of adjustment in how you use them. Especially true for width in my case. I did fine with 4/8 , 5/8 , and 6/8. When I got a WB full wedge 13/16 I about took off my chin. Watched myself do it in the mirror. To much angle coming down not enough contortion to straighten out the skin. Razor didn't care just kept on going LOL. You'll figure it out just don't give up.

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

I don't know what "novice stropping technique" means. If you strop the razor, and the strop stays tight, and doesn't bend around the edge, and the spine _never_ leaves the strop, you're doing OK.

10Pups had mentioned a sharp blade being ruined by those new to stropping, so I wanted to make note that I am not claiming to be an expert stropper. I do take great care to go slow enough so that the blade stays flat and the spine stays put when it pivots. I try to apply almost no pressure as I drag the blade.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

It should glide as good as your DE I would think.

This is what I was worried about. It's certainly not as smooth as my Merkur 34C with Feather DE razors loaded.

Originally Posted by enigmachrysalis

This is what I was worried about. It's certainly not as smooth as my Merkur 34C with Feather DE razors loaded.

Remember too I said I never used a DE so that could just be smoke coming out my ...ur um nose.

You are trying to compare apples to oranges. Both will give your serving of fruit for the day but are not the same!

Don't compare the straight to the DE until you have used it as long. And even when you have the sensation will not be the same.

This might help you test the edges & yer technique..



http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-test-vid.html