Thread: Advice for a new straight shaver

Originally Posted by GC7

Well my Modular Paddle Strop was waiting for me when I got home this evening and I must say that this device is a stroke of genius. It is a huge quantitative improvement for a beginner like me. I can instantly feel that the blade is flat and touching across its whole width and there is a built in give to the paddle for feedback for perfect pressure on the blade. I am very impressed and can only imagine that my edges will improve too.

I sprayed a felt strip with the 0.5 micron diamond as per Lynn's video and tomorrow I will touch up my edge before trying another shave.

Thanks all!

Less is more...I would only do a couple strokes and then see how it feels. Take it slow...it's easier to add strokes than take strokes away.

I hear you Kyle. Two strokes it will be.

May I ask what are the potential consequences of a few too many strokes?

I recall a video where Lynn used to do 10 strokes but now recommends 5.

Thanks once again

I've only been using a straight for a couple of months now, but I echo the comments on low angle and light pressure. The learning curve was much steeper for me than with a DE. I'm still learning, but my shaves improved considerably when I focused on those aspects. Good luck and stay with it!

Originally Posted by GC7

I hear you Kyle. Two strokes it will be.

May I ask what are the potential consequences of a few too many strokes?

I recall a video where Lynn used to do 10 strokes but now recommends 5.

Thanks once again

You can destroy your edge and it will have to be honed on a stone again. Too thin of an edge will fail and be no edge. Keep in mind that proper stropping will also improve your edge as well as smooth it. Learning to strop comes in two parts, the first being not damaging your edge, and then learning to actually improve it.

Very cool.

Well I could certainly feel and hear the improvement in the edge with a shave after three (sorry - could not resist) strokes on the diamond and then 30 rough leather and 60 smooth leather. It is no doubt sharper so I must have dulled the edge with my previous shaves and stropping technique. This was by far the best full WTG first pass I have done. I could hear the blade cutting as per the videos I've seen and got my cheeks and most of my neck darn smooth. The mustache area and chin are a work in progress. I finished with the DE and I'm a happy camper.

I'll use this edge with just stropping until I notice a degradation in the quality of the shave and probably ask some additional questions at some point.