Thread: 5th shave... frustration.

I also started doing 2-3 passes pretty early in the game, and kept nicking myself. I have since gone back to just doing a single WTG pass, so I could concentrate on technique (light touch, skin stretching, correct angle). While I would really like to be able to do at least a 2nd pass and get a closer shave, I have decided (with a lot of encouragement from folks on this site) to just be patient, work on one thing at a time, not try to advance too fast.

While watching one of Lynn's videos, he says he usually does a single pass most days himself. I think if you have really good technique, you can get a decent shave with a single pass. You can do some "buffing", try a scything motion, etc.

I would recommend doing a single pass for a good long while and experiment with basic "stuff" -- including lathering, maybe trying cold water, etc.

Originally Posted by 400E

I also started doing 2-3 passes pretty early in the game, and kept nicking myself. I have since gone back to just doing a single WTG pass, so I could concentrate on technique (light touch, skin stretching, correct angle). While I would really like to be able to do at least a 2nd pass and get a closer shave, I have decided (with a lot of encouragement from folks on this site) to just be patient, work on one thing at a time, not try to advance too fast.

While watching one of Lynn's videos, he says he usually does a single pass most days himself. I think if you have really good technique, you can get a decent shave with a single pass. You can do some "buffing", try a scything motion, etc.

I would recommend doing a single pass for a good long while and experiment with basic "stuff" -- including lathering, maybe trying cold water, etc.

Agreed 400E

Siguy i believe you are trying to move way to fast. five shaves into your straight razor experience is not the time to be trying XTG and ATG shaving. the rule of thumb is about 100 shaves before you become competent enough to experiment. for the next six month shave WTG maybe one or two passes, keep a DE available to to any touch ups. choose comfort over closeness. don't rush it...you'll get there. also give cold water shaving a try i may improve your shave.

My advice find a mentor and get a hone. Establish shave ready and when you touch up run it past them. You will soon know how to get and recognize an edge. From someone who did it this way trust me its much quicker this way. Even with paste are you going to be sure its truly sharp? Good luck

Originally Posted by Siguy

Truth be told. I have been at it since shave 1. I know. I know... but even though I had beads of sweat running down my face, couldn't make lather, etc., I felt...feel a certain confidence. Beneath the nose makes my nads tight and I tried but didn't do an upward swipe above the lip towards the nose. Despite being conscious of angle, I just don't think my blade is sharp enough for that action.

Odly enough, taking dry swipes aren't that bad.

Read what you just wrote, the answer to why the edge is dropping off so fast is in this post..

But really it is in one word "Impatience"

The is so much advice on this forum about doing thing step by slow step, it really does work if you read it and take things slow...

I agree. I wasn't comfortable not having a means of sharpening my razor, because I knew I'd be screwed if I messed up the blade and had no way of fixing the problem. So I made sure to get a sufficient hone supply as to let me redo the edge as needed. Not to mention putting an edge on a not-shave-ready blade.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

But really it is in one word "Impatience"

Thanks for your input glenn. My patience skills need honing as well.

I've really taken my time felt and stropping on a table with really careful attention to my pressure, barely more than the weight of the blade. Also, made sure not to roll the edge and to watch my elbow angle.

I've going to give it a WTG shot tomorrow. I try and follow you're shave prep video, with the exception that I add and massage in shave oil prior to lathering.

Thanks for your video help, glenn. Big time.