Thread: My boker straight is sharp enough to cut a held hair but I can't get a baby face shav

Originally Posted by rlmnshvstr8

I confer with splashone, if ur not stretching, ur hairs are not being raised so you can get that close shave you are looking for. Plus the direction you stretch will make a difference too. Stretch ATG to raise the hairs perpendicular to the skin. Stretching WTG, while will provide a smooth surface to shave on, it will lay the hairs down closer to the skin.

Okily dokily will do. I have to shave tonight so will get back to you. As for what I am using. My razor is an H. Boker and co. razor. With square tip, slightly beveled spine barbers notch, mother of pearl on tang, and black celuloid scales (I think it's celluloid can't be Bakelite). The logo on the box dates from 1869-1900 which is pre Bakelite. plus a hot needle doesn't give off odor of cat pee like bakelite. It also wasn't bought online so I have no reason to assume that the box and razor are from separate sources. I use a Franz Swaty hone I recently bought via my local classified usedottawa.com site, I also flattened properly (aka lapped it) with a 4000 grit arkansas stone, so it is flat. My strop is pitiful as I bought it on ebay for a few dollars and the quality of leather is one step away from being added to the ingredients in a pack of no name wieners. I have gotten a closer shave by going against the grain but it is both not much different and too a scary an endeavor to use on a regular basis unless I am feeling particularly brave due to my date being as attractive as Mila Jovovich.

Question...are u shaving in the shower or at the sink. It is rarely if more like never recommended to str8 shave in the shower. Too many dangerous factors that then come into play. Do you have fixed mirror you can shave in front of.

I usually shave at the sink. And sometimes in the bath, hence my knowing my razor is sharp enough to cut skin with the slightest of touches. In the bath is also where I learned that dunking the mirror in the hot water stops it from fogging up. I tried once to shave without hot water towel conditioning or soaking for 20mins in the tub and the pain from what seemed like ripping my hair out and fear of permanent scaring stopped me halfway through the second stroke.

OK I'm getting a bit off topic I think. I am off to shave now and will try the face stretching techniques, as to be honest I can't remember when I did that throughout the shave since I got my hone. I will get back to you in about an hour unless I fail horribly which will take longer assuming I don't bleed to death before the paramedics arrive. lol