Thread: horrible first straight razor shave experience

Metulburr, I think I will state approximatively the same things, but with a different approach.

First I think I understand your situation. While it's true that today I live a very comfortable life, I have had my time where well, $2,50 was the price of a decent meal, more decent that I would be accostumed to.
For some, I do understand that $20 is a hefty price.

I can wonder, though, why would you, in the past, spend tens of $$ on stones, and not on a razor...

Anyway.

I understand also that you have developped your honing technique on knives.
I would forget it when it comes to razors. You don't need a knife to reach under your skin without cutting or putting it on fire.

My knives are sharp. My razors are razor sharp. That's not the same thing at all.
Besides, in other communities we would not advice to use the same stones for both.

A few days later here i am. I have cut the hell out of my face every time i try to shave. In addition to that it doesnt sppear to cut well.

Not "in addition" (emphasis mine), but "because"
The less efficient the razor, the more dangerous it is.

There are, or have been, indeed, some brands which were both cheap and efficient (wapi anyone ?).
Most of the time, a cheap razor just won't cut it. It's not only the piece of metal or the handle. There is a shitload of attention to details :
- The thermal treatment of said steel must be done correctly
- The geometry of the bevel must be "perfect"

It's not just honing, actually. And you can't have this level of precision with just $20 for a new piece.

I understand that you needed to save money, but for all intent and purpose, you just lost $20.

Now, there would be a strategy I would advise :
- Forget that $20 blade, best case scenario, you'd feel "meh" about it if lucky
- Please accept Major's offer, in the meantime it will help you
- Save twice the amount - for $40 I know for a fact you may find a seller for a second-hand blade, perfectly shave ready

Once you have your blade, it's for life. You won't have to buy another blade ever again.
Seen this way, $50 is not that bad an investment.

As I learnt along the way : when you are poor, you don't have the luxury not to buy quality

Same issue here, bought a Gold Dollar, shaved a few times. The razor wasn't sharp at a start, now it's even worse. Had to put it aside.

The Classified section here at SRP is a gold mine of affordable, quality, usually shave ready straight razors, that are sold by members here that stand by their work. Check it out, used it many times, and you really can't go wrong.

Originally Posted by Veros

Same issue here, bought a Gold Dollar, shaved a few times. The razor wasn't sharp at a start, now it's even worse. Had to put it aside.

I feel for you. But to Quote Aerosmith "Same old story,same old song and dance my friend."
Thats why this brand is not spoken well of, anyone who says different is suspect in my book. Period end.
Listen to Phrank he speaks truth.