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Starting out
Hi all,
Recently started straight shaving, but still didn't shave all my face.
After shaving my neck and upper lip itches like hell.. It is supposed to be so? O I am doing something wrong?
Eager to learn more from all of you guys :)
Thanks,
Aurimas
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If you never shaved with a straight before remember it will take time for your face to get used to it. Some of the other reasons you are feeling the pain are: your razor may not be as sharp as it should, it may need a strop or it could be the angle you are holding the blade, pressure or even the way you prep. Check the library and ask questions. Most important do not give up. Once you get past the first few shaves it will get better with technique and practice.
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It maybe nothing to do with the razor but could be a reaction to what you are using on your face pre, during and post shave. I sometimes have a reaction to Sandlewood not every time I use it which is odd!
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Maybe try a different shaving soap or cream. To me this sorta sounds like an allergic reaction. If not that then try some of the other advice previously mentioned. Good luck! :)
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Take your time and no distractions - kids, wife, or animals. Your face will take some time to get used to the closeness of the straight, especially if you are coming from say an electric. Use some cucumber to cool the hot spots, it helps.
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Thanks for the answers :) I doubt that the problem is with shaving cream cause I am using it for about a year with my multi-blade razor and I never felt any unpleasant reaction.. Hope the skin will adapt eventually
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If you've changed nothing else, then it's obviously a technique or sharpness issue. It's best to find a local mentor, but we'll help all we can from way over here. Was your razor professional honed and how are you stropping? Only shave with the grain of your beard when possible. Use a low angle and only enough pressure to wipe away the lather-if any more pressure is required to cut the whiskers, then you have a sharpness and/or prep issue.
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Yes, the razor was professionally honed and came shave ready. Maybe I have dulled the razor with poor stropping technique. I'll give it another go and tell you how it was
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Yesterday I got another shave and after it I didn't feel itch and I didn't get razor burn. Can the skin adapt so quickly? Or maybe my technique got a little bit better :)
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Probably better due to a bit better technique, angle and pressure. Get those right and you get a great shave. Good luck
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Yep, my money's also on better technique. It only gets better, until you get too confident then it really quickly gets worse. But we mop the bathroom and we heal.
I do have one cream that, if I don't use enough water to make the lather, leaves me pretty itchy.
Happy shaving to you.
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Yesterday was the first time I shaved all my face with straight razor! It is not very clean, but I am happy with my progress :)
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I bet also it is your technique getting better. As a newbie today was the best Shave I have had using my straight razor. After almost a week is gotten better each day. Today I was able to shave my whole face except my chin three passes all in different directions I got a very good shave and no cuts nick's. There is a spot or two that I didn't get we'll close but for the most part the best Shave I have ever had. I am also new to honing and I did spend about 30 minutes holding the razor last night. I spent that much time because I have to go very slow to make sure I don't roll the edge. Well good luck I'm sure it will only get better as for myself it tends to get better every day.
Roger