Thread: Is the shaving cream, the technique, or the blade?

Hi, everyone, I've shaved twice with my new straight razor and I'm having a little difficulty. The razor seems to be sticking to my hair and not cutting it. I end up making multiple short passes in order to get a close enough shave. What's strange is that I got the razor from Vintage Blades, and they are adament about their process of making the razors shave ready. Additionally, I did not stop the razor before the first shave so I would know what "shave ready" felt like, and the shave only improved after stropping, so I dont think my stopping technique is bad. The only thing I can think of is that I'm just using regular barbisol shaving cream (with oil beforehand though), and my face does feel very dry when using the straight razor (even though I do wet my face pretty thoroughly when applying the cream). Do you all think the cream will just not cut it and I need to get a brush and soap? Or maybe I just need to practice my shaving technique.

I think you have diagnosed your problem quite handily - canned foam will not provide the lubrication required for shaving with straight razors. Strongly suggest that you get a brush and decent soap or cream ASAP. I'm also guessing (can't prove) that continued shaving with canned foam will greatly accelerate wear on the edge of your razor and make rehoning necessary much sooner than normal. Good luck!

I also think that the canned cream will dry out quicker than a lather made with a brush.
I noticed noticed in my early attempts at using a straight razor that dry lather caused tugging and I needed to re-hydrate my latherr a couple of times per pass.

Oh gawd, that stuff is called crap in a can for a reason. I'd get a decent brush, a good shave soap/cream and learn how to make a good lather.

Bob

And remember it's only your second shave your a long way from having the technigue down ,, you'll find after 100 or so shaves that the razor you thought was dull was in fact shave ready , stick with it this is not instant gratification these straight razors , it's and art to learn. Tc

You should also try a wet towel before the oil and (decent) shaving cream. I've found that my whiskers provide a lot less resistance if they're hydrated.

Originally Posted by PatrickS

Is it the shaving cream, the technique, or the blade?

In a word, Yes.

Get a shave soap or decent cream (Proraso will do) and a brush and your shave will improve a lot. The canned stuff doesn't hack it with a SR.

Welcome to SRP PatrickS: You will receive a lot of helpful advice from experienced wet shavers. Your problem will be to disseminate from all the advice and discover a plan which works for you. First, find a good shaving brush and soap. You can purchase a nice Semogue Boar brush for not a lot of money.

There's a plethora of good shaving creams and soaps available locally for a good price. If you have a Bath and Body Store in a Mall, pick up a tube of C.O. Bigelow shaving cream. A puck of Van De Hagen Deluxe Shaving soap is also a good option.

Every wet shaver has a pre-shaving routine that works for them. I'll give you a description of mine. I rub a small amount of Neutrogena Sensitive Shaving Cream into my wet whiskers. I brush lather my favorite soap or cream over-the top. I make my first razor pass, rinse with cold water, and repeat the process. I always complete a three pass shave with a DE or S.R.

The Zen of Shaving: How a Double-edge Razor Can Change Your Life : zen habits

Neutrogena Men® Sensitive Skin Shave Cream | Neutrogena®

It's more likely that you just need a little more practice to build up your technique. Also, regardless of the cream used first washing your face (the bath or shower counts) and letting your whiskers stay wet for three or four minutes will allow your beard to be cut easily and with minimal "sticking." Cream from a can will work fine - but do get a good soap or cream and nice brush; it will make the shave so much nicer. ;-)