Thread: problem getting close shave

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.

I aim to be as gentle as I can while stropping - others disagree and use more pressure but being gentle has really worked well for me. I picture the strop as being my partner's arm/leg and treat it as such; since then, my stropping has been so much smoother and the shaves have been far better too. Who knows, it may work for you as well.

I have a Dovo Best 5/8 and could not get a good shave. Bought a Ralf Aust and I get great shaves, the Dovo Best 5/8 never would cut hair. The only way was go to a 45 degree angle and still not good. Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by brucem

I have a Dovo Best 5/8 and could not get a good shave. Bought a Ralf Aust and I get great shaves, the Dovo Best 5/8 never would cut hair. The only way was go to a 45 degree angle and still not good. Just my 2 cents.

That's interesting that you mention that. With my skill set so far I don't want to start putting any blame on my equipment, but I am interested to eventually find out if the different brands shave differently. Did you stay with a 5/8 on the Ralf Aust, or did you go with a wider blade? I often wonder if I would notice a difference with a wider/heavier blade....

The Ralf is 5/8 and I have a Dovo Bismarck 6/8 also. I do like the Bismarck the best. Lynn contacted me about the Dovo Best 5/8, wants me to send it back to him to get it corrected, you may want to contact him.
Bruce

Yeah, I'm going to send mine back to SRD for a re-hone. I'm going to go with the fact of my stropping must've dulled the life out of the blade. It's a little disappointing to accept, but that's what learning is all about. Hopefully, third time is a charm and I can figure out what I'm doing wrong so I can maybe wait a couple of months between honings. I definitely want to get the stropping down before I attempt to try honing on my own, otherwise I'm afraid of ending up with a straight razor shaped paper weight!