Thread: Discouraged- need pep talk

I haven't been able to get more than one really good shave with my straight razor in the year I've had it and tried to learn to shave with it. The times that I've been able to get a close shave, the result is usually that my face feels totally punished afterwards- nicked up, irritated, dried out, red. I know that I need to try to use it more and practice, but I get frustrated with it. I can shave the side of my face with it just fine, but when it comes to the chin and upper lip area, I just can't seem to get acceptable results. I try to go with the grain first, but it seems to just snag and catch. Slightly ATG causes more irritation. A light touch doesn't cut the hair, and more pressure seems to nick and irritate. Maybe I just need to find that sweet spot. I don't know that my hair is any more coarse or thick than average, but I haven't been able to get really good results on that area. When I watch the how to videos it looks so easy; the blade just glides over or down the chin and the hair disappears like magic. Am I missing something?
Matt

What razor are you using?
Did you buy it shave ready?
How good at stropping are you?

From your description, the first things that come to mind are my questions.

The hobby takes time to learn, but it will require regular practice otherwise there is danged of not getting the hang of it for a long time if ever.
I'd not try ATG before proper WTG technique is acquired and you learn your beard well.

Matt,

The straight razor demands effort and patience. And the desire, of course. You seem to have the desire, but you're not willing to put in the time and the effort to embrace the whole ritual. Until you resolve this issue, I advise against taking up the straight razor. Should you decide to give the straight razor your full effort, then begin studying the wealth of information here, and watch as many quality shaving videos as possible. Ask questions. Then decide that you will do it — and do it. Then we can discuss what type of a razor you should start with.

Sounds like the razor may not be sharp enough. Stropping may be the issue or it may have never been completely shave ready. Also skin stretching is very important. Especially if you are an older gentleman.

Its tough to get the technique down if you take time off in between shaves. Extended breaks between use does not allow muscle memory to kick in and you are pretty much starting from the beginning each time. Stick with it for a solid month and even though you wont be perfect you should see a great deal of improvement.

My first guess would be that the razor isn't shave ready of you might have accidentally killed the edge while stropping, also angle and pressure could be off.

Try and find someone local to help you out, post your location, I'm sure you will find some fairly close

Matt,

Am pretty new to the straight razor myself but I have been doing a lot of reading and watching of videos also asking questions of the wonderful folks here. A few things come to mind would be is the razor "shave ready" is it truly up to the task? The next one is pre-shave prep? How are you prepping your beard / face for said shave? Are you doing anything to prep? I have recently tried using a hot towel, letting it sit against my face, this also softens the skin and hydrates the whiskers making them softer and easier to shave. I have seen a good deal of improvement over the last couple shaves doing this. Of course everyones face is different.. Hope it helps ! Take care Matt.

Adam

It's easy to get discouraged and with all the information on straight shaving it's easy to get confused. Have you thought about just going to the local barber shop and treating yourself to a shave? This would at least give you a base line on what a true BBS feels like and something to strive for on your own shaves with your own razor. You could even strike up a conversation with the barber, tell him why you are there and maybe he could give you some pointers.

looking at your post from last year at this time

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1129191


It looks like you have at least one quality razor, what have you done to keep them maintained over the last year assuming they were shave ready to start

I don't think you will be able to work on your technique until you send out the razor to be professionally honed. Be picky about where you send it. When you get it back from being honed do not strop it. Shave with it so you have a benchmark for what the razor should feel like while in use. When you notice you are putting pressure into the razor to shave, it's tugging, the razor needs to be honed. With proper stropping you should be able to keep it shaving for months. If the edge has deteriorated faster then you may need to work on your stropping technique

Take a very deep breath and really listen to and answer the questions asked in the previous posts. Personally I think you are trying to use a dull razor because you say it won't cut without applying pressure to the blade. Too much pressure, a bad angle coupled with a dull blade is a good recipe for razor burn, cuts and nicks. Lather is important too. Have you used a brush and soap/cream before and can you raise a good lather? If at all possible find a mentor in your area for some one on one mentoring. Maybe start from square one, send your razor out to be professionally honed and when you get it back do NOT strop it before first use.

Bob