Thread: Shaving disaster!!

Originally Posted by JonnyKane

So a bit of background to my thread, I've been researching on investing in a straight razor for about a year. I finally was given the opportunity to invest in one this year.

I did my research and concluded that it would be best to invest in a vintage razor. Because the metal would be far superior to what we can get today also it would be honed and stropped. Perfect!!

I bought my razor from the 'Invisible Edge' it is a Ford & Medley's Sheffield blade from the 1930's. The guy was great who sold me it and help answer my queries quite quickly. I also bought a 3" 'Miller' Barbour strop with the canvass underneath. From the strop-shop.co.uk.

I've been using Taylor of Old Bond for the last 10years. It's the shaving products that I much prefer. I use sandalwood pre shaving oil along with sandalwood cream.

So the shave, I attempted my first shave with the straight razor 4 days ago which was great (one pass), then my second which was even better being a 3 pass shave, but today it went pair shaped! My blade kept tugging on the hairs when I was doing my against the grain pass so much so the my face is red raw. I finished the 3 passes but I am now feeling as if somebody has just thrown boiling water over it. Lol

I know the blade has been honed properly and I always strop it at least 30 passes before shaving. It just was so painful going against the grain today under my chin and neck.

Can an anyone offer me a 'newbie' any advice. I understand your not getting the full picture but hopefully there is something in there that you can see is either wrong or of a concern.

Maybe my skin is just really sensitive.

question is - should it always be like this?

Thank you you for taking the time to read my thread.

In my humble opinion, using an ATG pass at the beginner stage is too advanced, and risky!!!

Follow Lynn's advice, I did, take it real slow, follow the links posted, and take your time..it's about the journey, not the destination.

Good Luck!