Thread: problem getting close shave

Originally Posted by mbg1081

Looking back, I wish I had started with a DE instead of a shavette. I think it has given me a false impression of how efficiently a SR should cut. I have tried to adjust my stropping yesterday and today. While I have notice a little improvement, I am finding that I have to angle the blade closer to 45 deg, instead of the typically recommended 30 deg. Does anyone else find this is a realistic angle (45 deg) that works for them, or is this a sign that I still have a ways to go with my stropping?

Holy cow I just got razor burn reading this. That's insanely obtuse. Sounds like a poor bevel set. But I can't be certain.

Something that I had to figure out is that I was gripping the razor too hard. Holding it light enough but not losing control of the grip I have on the razor. Also I found that the way I held it affected how I was able to apply the pressure. I got better results when I put my thumb on the bottom of the razor and put the scales between my ring finger and pinky, instead of the ring finger and middle finger. That more obtuse angle seems to give me more finesse with my stroke. Another thing that seemed to give me more finesse/touch when shaving, was the discovery that for me most of my stroke came from the motion of my forearm, and not my wrist so much. Using less pressure and going for beard reduction with more strokes in one area as opposed to the "Hay-makers" (longer strokes and fewer passes) I was trying to use at first. It took me months it seemed before I got a shave that didn't look like I shaved with a sander. I didn't come from a shavette background though.

Originally Posted by JazzWillie

Something that I had to figure out is that I was gripping the razor too hard. Holding it light enough but not losing control of the grip I have on the razor. Also I found that the way I held it affected how I was able to apply the pressure. I got better results when I put my thumb on the bottom of the razor and put the scales between my ring finger and pinky, instead of the ring finger and middle finger. That more obtuse angle seems to give me more finesse with my stroke. Another thing that seemed to give me more finesse/touch when shaving, was the discovery that for me most of my stroke came from the motion of my forearm, and not my wrist so much. Using less pressure and going for beard reduction with more strokes in one area as opposed to the "Hay-makers" (longer strokes and fewer passes) I was trying to use at first. It took me months it seemed before I got a shave that didn't look like I shaved with a sander. I didn't come from a shavette background though.

Not putting anyone's technique down. At all. If it works for you then I am not gonna say its wrong. Just for me anything more than like 20 degrees shreds my face.

Yeah, I know! The thing is I'm hardly getting any irritation, but that's the angle that actual seems to cut hair with stretching ATG and typical skin prep. Probably not a true 45, but it seems closer to that than 30 deg. Is it possible that I could've screwed the bevel up in about a week?!!
Like I said earlier, I have tried to pay close attention to my stropping and even use a paddle just to try to lessen my chances of rolling the edge. I think I have the motions down okay, I'm just really trying to get a sense of what's right and wrong in terms of the "pressure" (and I understand it should be minimal to none) that is required. I can watch every stropping video out there but I know that's something I'll have figure out on my own.

Originally Posted by mbg1081

Yeah, I know! The thing is I'm hardly getting any irritation, but that's the angle that actual seems to cut hair with stretching ATG and typical skin prep. Probably not a true 45, but it seems closer to that than 30 deg. Is it possible that I could've screwed the bevel up in about a week?!!
Like I said earlier, I have tried to pay close attention to my stropping and even use a paddle just to try to lessen my chances of rolling the edge. I think I have the motions down okay, I'm just really trying to get a sense of what's right and wrong in terms of the "pressure" (and I understand it should be minimal to none) that is required. I can watch every stropping video out there but I know that's something I'll have figure out on my own.

Just don't give up first of all. And everyones face/beard is different. So it maybe the razor or it may not be. I doubt like hell you rolling the edge would make it cut at a 45 but not a 30. Or there about. I don't know who honed your razor or the method they used. Its a lot of variables.

Lynn and srd are reputable so it could be stropping and shaving technique.

Originally Posted by ncraigtrn

Just don't give up first of all. And everyones face/beard is different. So it maybe the razor or it may not be. I doubt like hell you rolling the edge would make it cut at a 45 but not a 30. Or there about. I don't know who honed your razor or the method they used. Its a lot of variables.

Lynn and srd are reputable so it could be stropping and shaving technique.

The reputation of Lynn and SRD is why I bought from them- I knew it'd be done right. Trust me- I know it has to be something I'm doing.

A previous poster stet had asked if I had more than one SR. At this time being new I just have the one, a Dovo Best 5/8 with standard plastic scales. Plus financially I can't afford to start a collection right away. Eventually I'll build up.

Originally Posted by mbg1081

The reputation of Lynn and SRD is why I bought from them- I knew it'd be done right. Trust me- I know it has to be something I'm doing.

A previous poster stet had asked if I had more than one SR. At this time being new I just have the one, a Dovo Best 5/8 with standard plastic scales. Plus financially I can't afford to start a collection right away. Eventually I'll build up.

I actually asked that.

Reason was so you can compare between two razors.

Trust me I understand being financially restricted. That's what makes vintage razors appealing to me.

It'll come with patience. I would suggest not over thinking it.

Get it rehoned again.

I'd also suggest looking into getting a hone for doing touch ups yourself. Because after your two fee touch ups its 20$+ to have it done for you.

There is a definite learning curve as you have already been advised on several venues regarding the switch from the disposable to the straight. You really need to start from scratch, much the same as if you were starting with either from scratch. You have identified the biggest problem people have with the transition in this post. While a disposable will shave at a 45 degree angle, you will find that same angle most uncomfortable with a straight razor. You really need to keep the straight razor at less than 30 degrees for optimal performance.

In virtually every case like this, the problem is not the razor! This seems to be hard to accept for most people.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by mbg1081

Looking back, I wish I had started with a DE instead of a shavette. I think it has given me a false impression of how efficiently a SR should cut. I have tried to adjust my stropping yesterday and today. While I have notice a little improvement, I am finding that I have to angle the blade closer to 45 deg, instead of the typically recommended 30 deg. Does anyone else find this is a realistic angle (45 deg) that works for them, or is this a sign that I still have a ways to go with my stropping?

Thank you everyone for the advice! Looks like I'll be getting it honed again and just keep on stroppin'. I've considered purchasing a set of hones, but seeing as how my stropping has a ways to go I'd be a little hesitant to commit to the stones. It looks like I've picked up some bad habits learning with a shavette first. I've heard somewhere that it takes almost 100 times to develop a muscle memory, but 10,000 times to correct it. Soooo.... In about 9,954 shaves I should have it figured out!
Cheers!

Originally Posted by mbg1081

Thank you everyone for the advice! Looks like I'll be getting it honed again and just keep on stroppin'. I've considered purchasing a set of hones, but seeing as how my stropping has a ways to go I'd be a little hesitant to commit to the stones. It looks like I've picked up some bad habits learning with a shavette first. I've heard somewhere that it takes almost 100 times to develop a muscle memory, but 10,000 times to correct it. Soooo.... In about 9,954 shaves I should have it figured out!
Cheers!

With that attitude you will have it sooner than you think!!!

Keep us posted on your progress and as always be heard if you have a question.