Thread: Trouble With Stubble

Hello,

I am new to the forum and shaving with a straight blade. I have done loads of reaserach regarding shave prep, lather and stropping as well as watched video's and I even went so far as to purchase a blade from Straight Razor Designs that came honed and shave tested by Lynn Abrams. Even after all that I still have trouble with my mustache area and chin. The razor either pulls or just stops!. I have 2 Dovo starights the first I got for Fathers day and was told its "Shave Ready". But I was having the pulling and stopping problem. I wanted a second blade and went to Lynn to get it. Expecting those whiskers to slice off my face cleanly and with minimal effort. That has not happened. I strop the blade very carefully using both the Cloth and leather sides 75 -100 passes. Always leading with the spine and never putting pressure, just letting gravity do the work lest I dull the blade. I am sure this is something I am doing wrong. User error being the likely culprit. I have considered going to a barber and getting a shave to observe how they do it and see what I am doing wrong. I can get a Baby soft Shave with my DE Safety Razor ( I use Feather Blades). And really am hoping I can get the same results with my Straight.

I think I am doing the right things but maybe not. I either Shower or Steam with a towel. Then I Lather up my shaving soap really well, Apply to face and massage in. Then rinse with Hot hater, Re-Lather and shave WTG (I get pulling and tugging in Mustache and Chin area which is my most coarse hair). Often its painful enough that I will stop and switch to my DE blade. When I end my shave I will rinse with cold water and apply a post Shave Balm.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I won't stop trying. Marines Don't quit. But I would like to shorten the learning cycle.