Thread: Trouble Starting Out with Straight Razor

Hello I'm new to the forum, and come here hoping to get some much needed help with using my straight razor.

I guess to start, I received my razor as a gift this last Christmas, and I have used it maybe five times now with no success. I have looked up videos and done some research online about how to shave, but still no success. I just read the thread at the very top of the beginner page, and found it helpful. I think my problem may just be the angle at which I shave, or hopefully not the razor itself.

Since it was a gift, I am not sure as to the quality of the razor. The blade feels sharp, and I've been able to shave some hair off my arm without any pressure applied. The brand name is Master. I am guessing that it probably is something purchased out of some specialty home catalog, and not something that is well known for its quality. Like it said though it feels sharp.

I've tried using shaving cream from the can, initially before I discovered that that was not suggested, all the way to using the soap and brush. In my five attempts I have had zero success shaving with this razor. Luckily I have not cut myself, I've been very careful. My normal routine is to shave right after I shower. I'm just curious if the problem lies in the process or in the product? I normally dry off and then re-wet my face with hot water before applying the shaving cream/soap. Before I continue trying to master this just want to know if my problem lies in my prep and method or in the razor I have.

Much thanks for any help I can receive!

Hi Zachary and welcome to SRP!

From what you have written your prep sounds fine. Shaving after a shower should soften up your whiskers to help the shave.

You haven't mentioned too much about your lather, so I can only presume that you have made a decent lather that stays wet on your face.

So that leaves me with your razor ... which sounds like it may be the problem. Just because it feels sharp does not mean it is shave ready. Have you tried the hanging hair test on your razor? Most razors are not shave ready from the factory and need to be honed. I suggest you get your razor professionally honed to start with and then try another shave.

Just shave your cheeks and see what happens.

I can't help you, but you may well get a couple of offers from the generous and experienced folk here to hone your razor for the cost of shipping only ... then you will know if the razor was shave ready or not.

Good luck and don't give up!

I cant actually read the name of the razor on the box or see a tang stamp, but it just has that look that says "Made in Crapistan". Hopefully I am wrong.

Master USA is unfortunately on the list of brands to avoid here.If the razor were a quality shave ready blade you may experience some burn, but should still shave even without any prep. If you add your location to your profile, someone nearby may be able to lend some hands-on assistance. It sounds like you have been pretty patient and persistent with attempting to get a shave going. You might check the classifieds for a quality shave ready blade. You can find them priced pretty reasonably.

Sounds like what you have there is a conversation piece. I am betting you would really like to give a real straight a try. If so find someone in your area or post your location and we will find you :<0) This is a great way to shave.

Originally Posted by ZacharyM

Hello I'm new to the forum, and come here hoping to get some much needed help with using my straight razor.

I guess to start, I received my razor as a gift this last Christmas, and I have used it maybe five times now with no success. I have looked up videos and done some research online about how to shave, but still no success. I just read the thread at the very top of the beginner page, and found it helpful. I think my problem may just be the angle at which I shave, or hopefully not the razor itself.

Since it was a gift, I am not sure as to the quality of the razor. The blade feels sharp, and I've been able to shave some hair off my arm without any pressure applied. The brand name is Master. I am guessing that it probably is something purchased out of some specialty home catalog, and not something that is well known for its quality. Like it said though it feels sharp.

Before I continue trying to master this just want to know if my problem lies in my prep and method or in the razor I have.

Much thanks for any help I can receive!

Welcome!!

First and foremost, you have found the most friendly, informative and helpful site on the web!

As Pup’s pointed out including your location would be a huge help! There may be local help just down the street or across town!

You need a ‘different’ razor, your friends or relatives meant well so just hang onto it and proudly display it!

I like to recommend a vintage in the 9/16” to 5/8” in a roundnose if at all possible! Nothing wrong with a square point but you got to be extra careful! One step at a time!

Take a look at the Classifieds here at SRP!

Please get your address updated and we’ll see who might be near you!

Enjoy the trip! It’s a long strange trip but well worth the journey!

If you are in the UK I can offer some help, I could lend you a razor or try sharpening the one you got as a present. What you need is a nice cheap but good quality starter. As suggested above the classifieds here can help with that or try Larry @ Whipped Dog. He'll supply a sight unseen razor for not to many $. It may not be the prettiest thing you've seen but it will be shave ready and that will give you your start point on this never ending journey. As others will tell you this becomes your point of reference so you'll always know what shave ready feels like. In fact being fairly new myself I'd always recommend at least 2 razors, always keeping one with minimal use for that all important reference point

It looks like one of those razors that sell for less than $10 - this make is also on the list of razors to avoid on the UK based Shaving Room Forum. If you can get someone to try and put an edge on it you will probably find that it won't last long. If I were you I'd take the advice above and start with a recognised razor.

Your persistence while using a less than quality razor tells me you will no doubt have tremendous success once you get a real shaver in you hands. Best bet it to put this one away, pick up a quality shave ready razor and get ready to say "Ahhhhhh". When the gift giver asks how it going ....... well I know you know what to say.

Welcome

I do not consider any of my blades to be shave ready , until I get it back from a hone master. There are many listed in the classifed section that are experts in this area. I perfer to find older blades that I find in antique shops and flea markets. They may need some cleaning/sanding and polish before you get them honed. but I find they are worth the effort.

Study up on what is a good razor and which one to avoid and go hunting. Also check the classifieds here

Also, the three biggest I have learned here are streching, angle of attack and lght pressure.

Good luck and happy hunting