Thread: Questions I'd like to ask before getting my first straight razor

Congratulations on your first efforts with a Straight razor. You are absolutely correct to take things slowly when first learning. As to the shave itself . . .

Where did you purchase your razor from? I ask because that will allow us to ascertain if it might not have been truly "shave ready". As others have said this is VERY important.

I cannot comment about the "spots" that have appeared on your blade. What I would suggest is that you not close the blade until it has been allowed to thoroughly dry itself off in open air.

With respect to how often you can shave with a straight razor, my answer would be to shave as often as you do with any other shaving equipment. For me, it is every other day. for others, shaving every day with a Straight is no trouble at all.


Above all, do not get discouraged. It takes a long time to learn how to use a Straight razor properly. I have been doing this since the beginning of this year, and I STILL learn new things every time I shave. Good luck.

Originally Posted by alfaspider75

I use after shave product to relief my sensitive skins from razor burn, and I think I'm adding pre shave oil into the equation as well.

Some guys find pre-shave oil to be helpful, but even better is to pay particular attention to your regular face prep. In the long run that will prove to be more benefit than a pre-shave oil or creme. That having been said, if you try the pre-shave oil and it works, then by all means use and enjoy it. It just isn't *necessary*.

Congrats on your first razor purchase and shave. I would echo Orville's question regarding where you purchased it as that may indicate that it wasn't really shave ready. But even with a perfectly honed edge, patience and perseverance are key. Hang in there - it will get better!

Originally Posted by Orville

Where did you purchase your razor from? I ask because that will allow us to ascertain if it might not have been truly "shave ready". As others have said this is VERY important.

Thanks Orville for asking. I got this Dovo 6/8 from a knife shop and have it honed right away by an expert.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Some guys find pre-shave oil to be helpful, but even better is to pay particular attention to your regular face prep. In the long run that will prove to be more benefit than a pre-shave oil or creme.

I probably should try different ways for face prep.

Anyone has any idea on the brown spots on the blade? These spots are ugly and just won't go away

Originally Posted by alfaspider75

Anyone has any idea on the brown spots on the blade? These spots are ugly and just won't go away

It is the beginning of rust formation. If you have some protective oil/lubricant, try rubbing that on the blade after it has had time to dry out. My brand new Dovo did something similar, and rubbing the razor oil I got from SRD removed most of the staining.

It only took two shaves, rinsing the blade off, before it started to develop rust like a teenager does pimples. After that, I picked up a sponge to wipe the lather onto. The "bone" shaped sponge is available anywhere car wash/wax supplies are sold for under $2. I keep mine dry, to further reduce the risk of rust formation, and on the counter so I don't accidentally chip my blade on the sink. After I rinse & thoroughly ring out the sponge at the end of the shave, I then use what little moisture is left on it to clean the remnants of lather residue from my blade. Gently dry with towel, strop just a bit to ensure the edge is dry, store open in a seldom used room of the house with plenty of airflow until my next shave.

Hope this helps!

Try using some mothers or maas Polish for the spots. The likely suspect for the spots is hard water. You may want to try purified or distilled water, it should not cause rust or staining issues like hard water.

As far as your shave goes, use less pressure, think of it like you're trying to just get the lather wiped off without touching your skin. Also keep the spine of the razor so it is almost touching your face, rule of thumb is 1-2 spine widths.

I'll include a link to a guy who just posted a video he has great "touch" with a straight. You can see how little angle and pressure he uses.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ml#post1510546

I realize it's a kamisori but if you watch the pressure he uses and the angle to face you will see what I'm talking about. Assuming who ever honed your razor did a good job and you haven't stropped it improperly,you should see a dramatic difference in shave quality. Lather quality is a big one too. It only gets better if you're patient and keep at it.

Originally Posted by alfaspider75

Anyone has any idea on the brown spots on the blade? These spots are ugly and just won't go away

The spots might be as Orville suggests, caused by water that you missed or perhaps more likely, by a little soap residue. Any little speck of soap can cause staining since it's hydroscopic and may even contain a trace amount of free alkali.

Either way, they can be removed with a metal polish such as Flitz, Maas, Mothers, etc. Some have reported using Brasso although I have not tried it. Just be careful not to damage the edge (or your fingers). The eraser end of a common lead pencil works well for rubbing the polish.

Then just do a little better cleanup in the future, allow the razor to dry, preferably in moving air before closing, and store it in a dry place.

Welcome aboard!


rs,
Tack

Welcome to SRP Alphaspider75: This is a good thread regarding pre-shave prep to avoid razor burn and irritation. I used Noxzema Cleansing Cream for a long time. I recently switched to the Neutrogena. Do some experimentation and see which products work the best for you.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/pre-s...ml#post1510077