Thread: Newbie Problems

As tcrideshd said, don't worry at all about the hanging hair test. It doesn't mean much of anything unless you have calibrated it and spent some time figuring out how *your* hair behaves. Mine, for example, simply does not work with the hht. So I don't pay any attention to it. What matters is the shave itself.

As has also been mentioned, you're trying to figure out what went sideways amongst a number of variables. That can be tricky!

Rolling an edge while stropping is very easy to do, particularly for people who are starting out. Most of us have done it, so it's not at all unusual. That having been said, it does sound like you are very careful when stropping, so that might not be your issue.

As for the strop itself... well, not having had it in-hand, I'd just be guessing. I guess it depends on what you mean by a 'slight rough' feeling. My hunch (and it is just that) is that it probably isn't the issue here.

I'm thinking more along the lines of prep. You mentioned that you didn't have a great lather. That could be part of the problem. In addition to the hot shower, try soaking a face cloth/towel in hot water and holding that to your beard prior to lathering. There are arguments as to whether this softens the hair to make them easier to cut or stiffens them to make them easier to cut, but who cares? It makes them easier to cut.

So my main suggestions would be to:

1) see if there's a mentor close to you who can meet in person to give some advice - that can make a HUGE difference
2) continue paying close attention to stropping
3) pay more attention to your prep and lather
4) watch your blade angles
5) relax, enjoy the process, and keep at it. Soon it should click and be much better.
6) if all else fails, send the blade back to be re-honed and *don't* strop it prior to your first use.