Getting better!!

I have had 5 days off the past 2 weeks for hunting season and have been trying the straight razors to shave a few times during the vacations! I tried the Kamisori, but it doesn't feel quite there yet edge wise; it pulled when going WTG for the first past after 3 or 4 days of growth. I honed up by GW Pipe Razor, a M. Aiku, and a Challenge razor and so far, my Pipe razor is winning! The M. Aiku left the left side of my face smoother but I missed a couple areas and it wasn't as comfy as my GW Pipe razor. The Challenge did well, but the GW Pipe is still my go to so far. No pulling or tugging with it with a 3 day old beard and it's nice and smooth against the skin. I got a couple weepers and 1 nick (just bled a little when it happened and stopped with an alum block) on the left side of my face, where I am still getting used to SR shaving. I would say 90% of my face was BBS and there was little irritation! I have less than 10 full SR shaves under my belt, but by watching the videos and reading the posts on here, it is getting a lot better quicker than I thought it would!!

Glad to hear you got yourself a good shave. I'm hoping to get a good one today, yesterday was a let down after 10 decent to good shaves. And I know what you mean about the left side. I'm right handed so holding the razor in my left hand can be tedious.

If you don't have one , you should treat yourself to a pro honed edge. It is often a game changer for most.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

If you don't have one , you should treat yourself to a pro honed edge. It is often a game changer for most.

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Absolutely RezDog - one shave with a pro-honed edge it suddenly all makes sense.....

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Originally Posted by RezDog

If you don't have one , you should treat yourself to a pro honed edge. It is often a game changer for most.

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If you are doing your own honing a pro honed blade is everything other wise you are shooting at an invisible target

Sending out one to be honed is a good investment. It gives you something to compare your edges to. Besides that, it seems like you are well on your way. I would suggest that you stick with one razor for a period of time. This will allow you to get used to the peculiarities of that razor (heft, balance, type of tip... ). Let us know how your shaving journey progresses.

Yeah, I am going to send a few off to Glenn for honing soon.

Went with the GW Pipe razor and a new shaving soap on Saturday night. I also had a C.W. Sheehan razor on standby since it is on a similar shape and grind. Did all 3 passes with the Pipe and used the Sheehan for a touch up pass. The GW Pipe pulled a bit on the first pass, but wasn't too bad. My face is a bit sensitive currently due to an allergic reaction and there was some razor burn, but I think that is more due to the allergies; my face is puffy and irritated all the time and showering with warm water makes it that much worse and itchier. I am taking it to an Ozuka Asagi J Nat and then stropping linen and then leather (Illinois 127 Strop) and the edge looks nice under 20 and 30X, but it doesn't seem to be as smooth. Thinking of trying some 1/2 Micron CroX on Balsa after the stone and seeing how that works.

Just a thought. If the hot water in the shower is irritating your face, you may want to try a cold water shave. :shrug:

Sorry, should have been clearer! I am having an allergic reaction to wood dust or epoxy or something, so my face is pre irritated before any water or shaving, regardless of the temp. Cool/Cold water still irritates the skin, but not as much, but I get a better shave with warm water, so I try to be extra gentle on my skin until the reaction passes. It was on it's way down, so hopefully in another week or so it will be back to normal :(