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Thread: Advice for a new straight shaver
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10-31-2013, 02:40 PM #1
Advice for a new straight shaver
I’ve had a wonderful six month experience with my DE razors about 40 years after switching to carts as a teenager. I got the urge to try a straight so I figured I would make sure to get one that could shave well. I purchased a new Dovo Best 5/8 along with 3” strop from SRD knowing it would be honed by Lynn and ready to go. My first try gave me lots of chatter and sort of “sticking” to my face with little beard reduction. I figured technique and too dry lather (Tabac) were the cause. Mt stropping technique also more than likely leaves something to be desired but I got it down I think though I did nick the strop (not badly) several times over the next few days. I’m getting careful with the angle (only using my good left hand so far), using wetter lather and the results are better but I’m still not really able to get the blade to glide over my face as I see in videos. Because of this I’m a bit concerned that I may have dulled the edge and no longer have a good shave ready razor though it will cut through chest hair (why use an arm? :-) ) midway up its length.
I next purchased the Modular Paddle Strop along with some Crox from SRD which are on the way. I’d like to get my technique down both shaving and stropping but could use some advice. Should I refresh the edge with the diamond spray or Crox? What about getting the razor to glide over my face and make that nice cutting sound I hear in the videos. How do I know when to send it back to SRD for honing?
Thank you all in advance for your suggestions.Last edited by GC7; 10-31-2013 at 02:43 PM.
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10-31-2013, 03:02 PM #2
Welcome to the forum and the club GC7!
All you need to know is on the vid's and posts by Lynn and other members on the forum, also make use of the advanced search for any specific questions you have - it's all there.
Cheers!
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10-31-2013, 09:18 PM #3
Sounds like the razor is sharp and the angle is too high and blade needs to be closer to your face. Stopping on a flat surface may also help. Atleast 25 linen and 50 leather.
My wife calls me.........Can you just use Ed
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10-31-2013, 10:32 PM #4
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Thanked: 4830As 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 #5
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 #6
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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11-02-2013, 12:01 PM #7
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Thanked: 10I'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!
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The Following User Says Thank You to DCB2 For This Useful Post:
kwlfca (11-02-2013)