Turned a Corner...

Have shaved probably 20-25 times with my Ralf Aust 5/8". I am new to SS but DE shave while traveling during the week. I have been getting better every shave. I have noticed real improvements but know I have years of improving down the road.

After my 10th+ shave I started reading more on this forum. I noticed a lot of information about HHT and overall sharpness. I started trying the HHT and could not duplicate the results. I was not sure if it was my technique or my razor was dulling (probably due to incorrect stropping).

I ordered a chromium oxide crayon from SRD and received it today. I pasted the back of the fabric strop anticipating the results. After cleaning and stropping the razor I quickly realized I was not going to be disappointed.

I tried the HHT many times and it continued to work. I know that the HHT is not perfect but relative to my previous results this was now amazingly sharp. And for the true test...the shave. Smoothest shave as of yet. Cannot explain how the chromium oxide change the quality of my shave. I am sold.

I'm still relatively new as well, I started straight shaving back in August. It only keeps getting better as your technique improves. My shaves were good, then started to suffer a bit. I found out that my stropping (or lack thereof) was to blame. I wasn't comfortable using a hanging strop, so I stropped as little as possible, causing some rough shaves. I bought a paddle strop, and found that to be much easier.

I don't do the HHT test, I will gently glide the razor over a small area of my arm. If the hairs pop off with minimal effort, I know I'm good to go. If it doesn't, I go back to the strop.

And for goodness sakes, if it tugs your face on the first stroke, stop, clean, and strop again...nothing worse than seeing the end result of pushed shave...

Touching up the razor after that many shaves is pretty standard. Remember crox is abrasive and this is what is returning your edge to sharp as you do remove the slightest bit of metal refining the edge again. Hope you continue to get great shaves.