Beyond Expectations!

I haven't been on the forum for awhile, perhaps a month, but it's time for an update on my progress w/ SR shaving. As the title says, "Beyond expectations!" My shaves are better each time I shave now. Interestingly, it seems better if I don't shave two days in a row. Perhaps I'm putting a little less pressure on the razor, if the whiskers are a little longer. Any ideas? In any case, my shaves are now both close and comfortable, something I was led to believe was unlikely at my stage of the game (two to three months). I'm starting to wonder if I should invest in stones or have my 5/8" Dovo Best re-honed. B.t.w., I'm using E Jagger shaving soap, a cheapie brush, and Coral Face Food or Herban Cowboy lotion for my aftershave. And as suggested, if I don't shower first, I consistently use hot washcloths on my face before shaving. I stopped using the lemon scented pre-shave, except when I'm in a hurry and use my E Jagger DE. I was concerned about having a solid grip on the SR if my hands weren't completely free of the oil. I strop on a 3" Latigo, and clean it up on the linen side when I'm done. I really couldn't be happier with the progress I've made. I was expecting it to go much more slowly. To all the other newbies; hang in there and keep trying. Use the suggestions from the elders, as I did. It will only get better and better. And to all the elders that helped me, thanks. Your willingness to share your "treasure" is a beau geste.

It's great when it all comes together, especially when you endure all the frustrations at the beginning. I believe that shaving with a straight is a true art form and the more you practice the more relaxed you become and the better the shaves. Now honing, I class this as another art form and this also needs an infinite amount of patience. If it were me I'd go for a re-hone on my best razor which will give you that benchmark to aim for and maybe get a second cheap razor to practice honing on.
I agree with your comments about this site and the guys that help us out with our problems great bunch of people.
Onward and upward!

Congratulations.

You should get something to maintain your edge long term. It could be a pasted strop, or a fine hone (barber hone/finishing hone/norton 4k-8k/etc.) That's vastly different and simpler than 'honing'. Most important, though, for edge longevity is your stropping, as well as bear preparation and shaving technique.

It all depends on what your goals are but you seem like a natural and one who is "hooked" so my vote is with Gugi above. Get yourself a daily strop, a pasted strop, and a finishing stone and you will have sharp razors for years to come.

In my earlier post today, I said that I've been shaving w/ my SR two to three months. I just checked my first post, first shave and it was dated 1/9/14. Sorry, but I thought it was more than a little over a month. I don't think my memory is getting any better, and also, I don't think my memory is getting any better.

So much of what you say is the same for me, including the ease of shaving every other day. We've both been at it about the same amount of time. For me, things seem to have progressed to the next level with the straight, but I still have my DE in reserve. We do differ in the fact that I've bought "some" other razors, a few off of eBay, as well as a set of honing stones. I've only worked on three razors, a Kamisori, a Hart Steel, and a J. Wostenholm. In each case, I made the edge better, and working on the Wostenholm most recently, I've made it my best shaver. This too, from bread knifing it to change the shape of the blade (the heel was taller than the toe after the previous owner had reground it). I've got a hollow ground as well that was professionally honed but it still is second to the one I honed. Credit should be given to gssixgun - YouTube for honing instruction. I can't say it would be as easy for you as it was for me (so far :hmmm:) but the satisfaction is tremendous.

A poor picture but here it is:

Attachment 156288

great news , I thought that it would be longer when I first started but mine has came along quickly also, now ive been shaving with a DE for 44 years, some of the techniques are close IMO, maybe that helped. as far as honing goes im not even going to mess with it for a while ive got several razors and Glen or Lynn can give you a great shaving edge HAVE SOME FUN tc