Thread: Another first shave report

I just tried out my 'sight unseen' razor from Larry A at WD. It didn't look as bad as I thought it might…not razor porn like the many pics I see, but not bad. It did seem smaller and lighter than I expected. Probably a little under 5/8.

The first thing I noticed was that I couldn't see what I was doing that well. I've heard Lynn say that you should use each hand for each side of the face so that you can see what your doing better. But it seemed to me that my hand that was holding the razor was in the way of seeing the blade in the mirror? I'll have to play with the sight lines and angles in the mirror.

The other thing that surprised me was the amount of resistance to the blade. It felt like my stubble was holding the blade back and I had to really pull the blade through my beard. I didn't think it would be like cutting through butter, but I didn't expect what I experienced. I don't think I have a really tough beard either. I don't know what it should feel like, so don't know if that was normal, or if the blade was not sharp enough, or if I was using too much of an angle. Larry seems to have a good reputation, so not sure it was the blade, but it was surprising. I didn't strop the blade before this first use, so couldn't have messed up the blade that way. I did carefully strop afterwards, and that seemed to go well. I guess I'll see how it goes next try.

I believe the shaves will improve as your technique improves. You might try varying your angle on a flat section (like the cheeks) to see how that affects the amount of effort required. Overall, it sounds like you are off to a great start.

Technique and practice are key.. I think I'm about 10 or so full SR shaves in doing 2 passes and clean up and results are waaay better it just takes time.. I still struggle with sight lines.. thought about the old fashioned shaving stands and how the mirrors are set up...may have to find me one lol

It's heartening to read this as it almost perfectly mirrors my first experience on Thursday morning, also with a sight-unseen razor from Whipped Dog. I had the same big concern: why was I feeling so much resistance? I even wrote to Larry to check in, just in case the razor hadn't been honed properly, but suspecting it was probably my fault. It just felt so different than what I expected, and quite different than a DE safety razor.

What I CAN say is that two more tries in, and it's feeling better. Not yet great, mind you, but adjusting the angle a bit and being okay with a confident stroke (force in the cutting direction, not against the skin, I mean), have both countered the tugging. I'm getting the sense that it's the nature of SR shaving to show more resistance in the stroke, and create that scratchy sound.

I also hear you on those sight lines! It's very tricky to see where the blade is for that first stroke at the top of the sideburn!

When you're first starting, it can be tough to determine the problem. I've never dealt with WD, but there is a good reputation there.

I would assume it's and angle and pressure issue. Keep watching vids, and try and mimic as best you can while you build confidence and find the sweet spot.

It's a very different feeling to get used to when shaving with a straight. With your d/e or cartridge razors, the hahdle is centered over the blade and the pressure that you use is direct. With the straight, your grip is pretty far away from the center of the shaving surface. Just this offset grip will cause a much greater feeling of resistance until you master the strokes that you use. Your hand is pulling on one side of the blade and your beard is pushing against the other side. Basically you have to learn how to compensate for this. It will take a little time but soon it will be second nature.
Good luck!!

Pete <:-}

when your technique gets better a few months from now it will go thru them like a knife thru butter,, as long as you do your job and the blade is right and your prep and stretching are good tc

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'm sure its my lack of experience that's the problem. I think i've gotten use to my DE razor feeling heavy, and as Petercp4e said, you pull a straight from the side of the blade. It just feels weird. Especially how light the blade is. Are other, larger razors much more heavy?

After I posted this morning, I saw Onethinline's almost identical post from the other day. Its also nice to hear its not just me, and that you're making progress. Congrats on that. I hope I'm headed the same way.

What helped me was when someone wrote,

Shave off the lather. (Not the skin) little pressure.

I know I sound like a broken clock, but when I started that was the best advice I got!