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Thread: Advice for a new straight shaver
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10-31-2013, 10:32 PM #1
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Thanked: 4822As I read your post I couldn't help but think funny thing is I've been getting fantastic results shaving with my straight for sue time and I have never been able to actually shave and do those big long dramatic strokes like I see in videos either. I'm not sure that all the guys doing that are actually shaving. My strokes are always much shorter. I do get smooth movement of my razor, but not long sweeping strokes. The keys for me in getting a great shave are of course a sharp razor, the right lather for my face (not too runny not too stiff), good skin stretching and time to relax and enjoy my time. I am not a fast shaver and because I can, I choose to shave in the evening when I can take all the time in the world. I almost forgot to mention the ever so important blade angle. Once you've gotten that down it's easy to forget to mention it. Happy shaves!
Sometimes I get blabbing and forget half of what I wanted to say. If your blade if lopping hair mid shaft if should be good to go. You will be able to tell by it grabbing and pulling that it is time for a touch up. You could at that point do some stropping on crox or diamond spray. When that fails to do the trick a quick touch up on a finisher or good quality barbers hone (they are not all the same) or send it out. I think I actually answered your questions this time.Last edited by RezDog; 10-31-2013 at 10:38 PM. Reason: Additional info
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11-01-2013, 02:30 AM #2
Hey RedDog, I think those two must be related.
S.L.A.M.,.......SHAVE LIKE A MAN!!!
Not like a G.I.R.L. (Gentleman In Razor Limbo)
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11-01-2013, 02:52 AM #3
In this video Lynn shows you how to apply the diamond spray etc. As a side note, I would be very sparing in using crox or diamond spray...use limited stroked if you decide to use it. Be cautioned, lot of new people over-use crox and sprays.
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The Following User Says Thank You to kwlfca For This Useful Post:
GC7 (11-01-2013)
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11-01-2013, 03:20 AM #4
Thanks for all the good advice.
I'll keep trying to work on my technique. I know my prep and later are really good at least for DE shaves but I'll modify using the results of the shave tell me how I'm doing.
That video is exactly what I needed to see for using that strop for tune up and general use. It should be at the doorstep tomorrow afternoon.
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11-01-2013, 04:06 AM #5
Lynn also has a video up on refreshing a razor when it starts to pull. Although it may have some overlapping information, I'd check it out to educate yourself nonetheless.
You're right, wetter lather helps glide. Usually people find that an against the grain pass especially needs wetter lather. One trick you can use to gauge the water content of your lather is to squeeze it all out into your lather bowl. You'll be able to feel how much water is in it, as well as get a visual when it slides into the bowl. Not enough water and the lather will just stay on your hand...too much and you'll definitely notice.
You can also grab some glycerin as well and add a couple drops into your lather to improve glide.
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11-01-2013, 06:58 AM #6
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Thanked: 4I put some pre-shave oil on my face, and lather then. This helps with the glide as well.
As a newbie, the most important aspect that I saw was the angle. about 30degrees when shaving WTG and XTG, but spine almost touching skin when going ATG.
And I am still learning the pressure, in the beginning I was using to much pressure. Now, I use the littlest of pressure, and the blade glides over my face, resulting in a great shave!
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11-02-2013, 12:33 AM #7
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!