Thread: need some serious help

I have now been shaving with my razor for 2-3 weeks every day. Its a ralf Aust professionally honed by Lynn. I have been stropping the razor before every use circa 30 laps. Occasionally if drap a bit 6 laps on the felt side. The razor really started to struggle and started to skip so I decided to paste the material side of the strop no real improvement. So then me think what the hell I will get a 12K and hone it up a little 10 x strokes each side. Elbow up and I used two hands just to keep the blade level. I could see the steel appearing on the stone and it was really moving the water well. I then stropped on material x20 and the x40 on the leather. The razor shaves better now and more easily but I am really nicking myself a lot. I even notice some tiny lines in my face (cheek) where the razor had passed. I am getting really happy using the blade but my face is getting progressively more sore. I am going to leave shaving for a few days to give my skin a rest. Have I destroyed this razor what can i do to rescue it.

Have not destroyed the razor,perhaps the edge tho,sorry for the problem

It won't be destroyed at all so don't worry there. Razors are fairly robust to total destruction, though fairly sensitive at the edge of course. About the worst thing that may have happened is that the edge has been roughed up a bit I'd think.

Probably the best thing to do at this stage is find an expert in the UK (Neil Miller immediately springs to mind, though not sure of his workload - contact him and see) to send it to for a rehone/touch up.

If you'd prefer to do things yourself you'll need some advice from people, and to give the best advice we need to know some things. For example, exactly what kind of paste did you put on the felt side of your strop? Exactly what kind of 12K hone did you get? Do you have access to something that can magnify the edge a bit? Can you see any obvious nicks on the edge, or folding? Are you perhaps able to provide photos of the edge under some magnification?

James.

I used the 0.5 spray on the felt and a naniwa 12K stone. I will try and get some pics.

As per nicks, are you stretching your skin with your free hand and then making the pass with the razor? It should help a little with the nicks and "lines" you may be noticing.

On stropping, take your time. Remember, barely more than weight of the razor laps and definitely make more laps. I would say 60 laps at a minimum.

If you're feeling like you need to go back to the 12K, then do so for those strokes. Again, weight of the blade only and go s-l-o-w to make sure the entire edge of the blade maintains even contact.

Has you 12K been grid lapped?

As you become more proficient with your technique(angles and pressure), you will dull the blade less.

Just some thoughts and, oh, Welcome to the club brother! I promise you it gets easier as you persevere. Perseverence and practice are the keys. Also, if it doesn't feel right, stop. Put the razor down and walk away.

Trust me, it gets better. You've already made the big step and are shaving.

I believe Lynn offers 1 free honing with his razors, right? You may want to consider getting a second pro-honed cheaper razor. WhippedDog has sight unseen razors that are keen shavers and won't break the bank. I'm a firm believer of having at least 2 razors. I treat my Lynn honed razor like the holy grail to which I aspire(I won't even shave with it anymore).

Kind Regards,

Simon

you may have a point with the skin stretching i think i may have got a bit lazy with it. I will take another go on monday my face definately needs a break. I have noticed last two days that i am just reopening previous nicks

I've been pretty much exactly where you are, part of the normal learning curve for a lot of us. Taking some rest days is the right call: you can't assess any stropping/honing/shaving improvements on a raw face. When you pick up again, you might shave alternate days (beard growth and professional responsibilities permitting) for a while.

With Siguy, I agree a second razor is a life saver; I want something at hand to shave reliably while I troubleshoot a problem edge!

You know it COULD actually be your prep and technique more than the razor...

I work pretty hard on the prep. I always shower in the morning using put conditioner in my beard, then parosso pre-shave (not sure this does masses but feels nice), then use hot towel and lather up. I use two soaps the parosso and a Dr Harris Lavender. The Dr Harris seems to take a lot of water but is a great soap then shave. I think i do the damage on an against the grain shave.

Not giving up though. I attended a cricket (like baseball but slower) match yesterday and we were chatting about the ususal around the table. When you mention this straight shaving stuff peoples mouths fall in the plates. I must have been asked 50 questions about it so there is certainly and interest out there.

The Proraso pre-shave is a great product for adding glide, and if you're making the Proraso well then you should also have enough cushion, as that is a good soap. For my ATG pass (when I do one) I add more water to the lather to make it weaker, as this way I ensure glide. I find for my ATG pass if I don't do this it's a possibility the razor will 'dig in'. For the ATG pass I also do very light very short strokes; more a 'buffing' motion. For the ATG pass I also hold the razor very very loosely, with just two fingers. This way, if it does meet with resistance it's more likely to 'give' rather than 'dig in'.

You're right that as soon as one mentions straight razor shaving people look at you with a mixture of 'you're mad' and 'you're such a man'.