Thread: newbie question

hey all:

I have been lurking for some time now and I decided its finally time to post something. I have been straight shaving for a while now, but I never seem to be able to those fine "micro hairs" that I can get off with my cartridge razor. I started out wet shaving with a whipped dog 5/8 and now I currently use a whipped dog 6/8 razor which I love. My opinion was why spend 100 plus dollars on a razor you don't know is right for you. For me anyway, this opinion has paid off because the 5/8 was not for me. So what am I doing wrong if anything? How do I get those pesky micro hairs that a cartridge will pick up but my blade will not?

thanks in advance for all your guys help

Greg

I'm not sure about the micro hairs. A nice comfortable and close shave is most often about the skin stretch and the blade angle for me.

Typically, with a quality razor, it's either technique or sharpness. If you are comfortable with your technique and don't say yes until you are really sure or have had some time with a mentor if you can find one, then look to have the razor re-honed and see if that makes the difference.

Have fun.

Try stretching your skin in those problem areas. I have good success by stretching my skin taut with my off hand.

As a newbie I, too, ran into those problem areas where it was difficult for me to manoeuvre the blade, thus leaving pesky, minute stubble behind. My advice: don't sweat it. As you progress you will learn what works for your face and beard and what doesn't. Your best tools are a professionally honed razor and, most importantly, a lot of patience. The rest you will acquire over time. Hang in there and enjoy the ride!

I think, I've run into the same problem (not sure micro hairs and what I call peach fuzz are the same thing). When I transitioned from a 5/8 to a larger razor. After what seemed like a good pass, I would find that only the coarser hairs were cut, leaving behind a little "peach fuzz" here and there. Adjusting the blade and stretching the skin a little more seemed to solve the issue. There is a very fine difference in the angle, ( or maybe better stated the feel of angle) between a 5/8 and 6/8.
I found using a quieter room helped. I used the feedback sounds of the razor to help dial in the best feeling and sounding angle. Not sure if that is helpful, but it helped me. Being a newbe myself, Im a bit reluctant to offer advice.

I had no idea about quality razors until cudarunner lent me a few nice Friodurs. It's an amazing difference. $100 razors are great for learning, and I don't regret that, but (in my opinion), they don't compare to my better razors. I can get BBS with my 3 Friodurs, but not so much with my cheaper razors - and it's same technique. There's a reason more expensive razors are more expensive. I've also learned that I like bigger razors - 6/8 to 7/8 or bigger. Just fits me better.

I have some fine hair in my beard and although I do not generally shave against the grain because my face will turn into a strawberry but I have a couple areas that against the grain is the only way my blade will pick up the hair

Originally Posted by Flatire67

I have some fine hair in my beard and although I do not generally shave against the grain because my face will turn into a strawberry but I have a couple areas that against the grain is the only way my blade will pick up the hair

Against the grain on the neck (for me) is essential. Are you using soap or cream and what kind? I used to get irritation until switching to cream with a little glycerin.