4 Days Later

Hi all,

Just finished my 4th shave and am still getting my technique down. I still feel like the razor is scraping against my skin even with no pressure, leaving my skin tender. Could this be a soap / lather issue or not enough prep? Also how do you guys handle the chin? Any videos I watch on youtube have blokes with them perfectly shaped chins that are a drea to shave... mine is a dimpled bugger!

The razor was honed by steve at dovorazors so I know thats not the problem and I take alot of care when stropping by layong the leather flat and going slow.

As for shaving itself, I've settled for a dual hand shave but mainly using my right for the jaw, chin and eventually upper lip one movember is over.

Cheers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chadders

The razor was honed by steve at dovorazors so I know thats not the problem....

---

Do you mean it still has the factory edge on it?

As well, it might help if you describe what you are doing for prep, including what soap/cream you're using.

I get that feeling now and then if my angle isnt right. I readjust and it usually fixes the problem, having it at the wrong angle has given me pretty bad razor burn too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Do you mean it still has the factory edge on it

---

No it was shave ready when I got it.

My prep is to wash my face then steam it or hot towel for 5 mins, then apply a lather using a mankind cream.

Thanks Otsm, im planning to experiment with angles tomorrow and see if it makes a difference.

Hey Chad,

The scraping & razor burn is almost always from using pressure on the edge. 4 shaves in - if you're getting razor burn & haven't nicked yourself up - you're doing pretty well. I was a bloody mess.

It'll take a bit to get the hang of stretches & strokes. If you have to use pressure - you're using the wrong stretch and stroke. Finding what works best can be about 6 mo.

Lose the pressure. Maybe give the face a day of rest before going back at it. The one thing *NOT* to do is be seduced into thinking you should be getting a perfectly close, baby-butt smooth shave. That may come (not for everyone), but chasing it usually gets colorful - especially when new.

Enjoy. The skills will come - whether or not you deliberately work on them. You'll be getting the best shaves of your life very soon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chadders

No it was shave ready when I got it.

---

Shave ready by who's standards?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...ve_Ready_Razor

There is a video Glen does (gssixgun) does on how to test if it is really shave ready or not... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93zQP...jb3ZPFa-2gdfdw

That's what I suspect also, that is, that you've dulled your razor. Razor burn means a dull razor. That's when you add pressure to get the hair to cut and that causes the burning. As a newbie, as we all did learning, you probably dulled the edge on the strop. We all did it. Learn how to strop, send the blade out to get re-honed, and you'll know that the bevel is correct to compare to when you get it back.

I am just a couple of shaves in front of you (also a newbie), but I found that pressure was the main culprit. The moment I let off the pressure and let the blade to the work, it was awesome. So, when I shave, I concentrate on the angle and pressure. Since then I have not nicked or cut myself, razor burn is gone and it all works awesome.

Also, initially the razors were were sharp, and irritated my skin. I found that after 3 shaves per razor, it started to get smooth. I do not know if it is technique, or that the supersharpness is just sharp now, but shaving is awesome now. Getting BBS patches on cheeks and neck at the moment, lip and chin area I am taking very slow and BBS will come to this in time

Good luck and enjoy the journey

Most likely culprits are pressure and angle. For angle start flat and slowly raise the spine. you will know when you've gone to far. Pressure is to just wipe the lather off and let the blade do the work. Its weird compared to other shaving methods where pressure get you closer. In sr shaving it gets you burn. Good luck