Thread: Back to SR shaving

Hi all,

2nd shave today after a 2 year hiatus (with only around 6 months shaving back then). The first one using a vintage Wheat sheaf, which didn't go too badly, finishing off the chin area with a (sorry!) gillette. The shave today, with a Greaves & sons wedge, was not very nice at all (lather was a bit dry, too), but interestingly pulled out a shavette, which I forgot I had, and finished off quite nicely (and more confidently). Probably obvious to others (I've forgotten a lot over 2 years), but perhaps pointing to the sharpness of the razors, (compared with the shavette) dulled by sitting in the draw? Does this happen? I did strop both times (30 passes) and do realise it's going to be a few weeks before being back in the swing regards technique, prep etc..

Any thoughts?

Cheers,
KCC

Start with a real good stropping. Say 100+ laps. If it still feels off send for a touch up. Yes the edge could degrade sitting for 2 years depending on storage and if oiled etc.

Thanks Eddy - I'll give that a go next shave.. :-)

Welcome back, KCC. I'm in Carlton if you need a hand.

Welcome back, I recommend taking Frankie up on his offer, he has some nice hones, and much as he is humble about it, I am pretty sure he can use them.

Welcome back. The technique of shaving with an old Sheffield wedge and a shavette are subtly different. To get the most out of my blades I often shave with the same one for a week. I skip around from wedges to extra hollow often, and from time to time the first shave is not as close and comfortable as the last one before I switch out. In the beginning the difference was big and very noticeable, not so much these days but the habit of sticking with the same blade is still there. Also if my lather is off that is a no go for me, I stop and fix that right away. Dry lather helps me cut myself.

Thanks for that. I must admit to not fixing the dry lather last shave and should know better! I got the first shave lather right (probably by accident) and it went a lot better. Also, good tip on staying with one razor for a week or so, I guess this will eliminate some of the variables.

Cheers

Thanks Ed - I've PM'd Frankie.

Cheers
K

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

Welcome back, KCC. I'm in Carlton if you need a hand.

So appreciative for your kind support and 1:1 coaching today, Lindsay, not only for fixing my stropping technique, which I'm now sure was the cause of consistantly blunting my razors, but also helping me with with honing theory and practice, so I feel (much) more confident using the stones to keep my razors shave ready!

Thanks again..

K..

Great advice Ed, he knows his stuff!

K