ups and downs....

[Haroldg48]

I post this in the Beginners section because a) I am still one after 18 months and b) I want to encourage other beginners.

OK, so I've been doing this for 18 months (this time). I'm 66, retired (mostly) and I did it once before about 30 years ago, because I'm an "edge" fanatic...I love sharp blades.

I am the owner of at least 6 freshly honed (by experts, not me) quality razors. I have a lot of quality soaps. I have several great brushes. I have wet as well as hot and/or cold water (your choice). I have quality strops and good stropping habits. I've studied all the written and video recorded instructional material (or at least enough to know enough).

I shave with a SR 4 times per week and a DE 3 times (in total, all the days that exist). With a DE I get a DFS 80% of the time and ok for work shaves the other 20%. With a SR I get a BBS on parts of my face 40% (approx.) of the time, DFS 20 % and OK shave the other 40. Some days I get an allover DFS with a SR. That is my goal, and I'm very happy on those days. Other days, I don't, and I'm not (happy).

My conclusion...it is me...my prep, my lather, my angle, my technique, my pressure, etc.....It is NOT my razors which have been honed by people whom you all know (and not mistreated on a strop since).

My goal is to keep practicing and experimenting until I get all DFSs with my SRs. Wish me well.

I encourage you to fess up and aim for the same!

"A poor carpenter blames his tools"