Uneven Shaving

[dkr]

Hi All,

I am still making my way through the learning curve here. Recently, I have been having some problems with uneven shaving. My antique Shumate straight-edge seems plenty sharp. If I go for a few weeks without shaving, it very easily removes most of the hair, but when I try to get a really close shave, I end up with this peach-fuzz white-colored strong hairs in the same places (my normal hairs are dark colored) -- on my upper lip and just above my chin.

I have regularly been using a Latigo strop and have put many, many laps on it to attempt to correct this, but each time I try more effort or different technique, I just end up making my skin red and itchy. These hairs come off easily with an el cheapo safety razor.

This seems to have been a problem for a while but I believe it has been getting worse lately.

Is this a sign I need to be honing again? It seems to be rather soon since the last time, or perhaps I needed it sharper before finishing last time.

I could really use some help troubleshooting here. I'm not sure if this is a "technique" issue, or honing or stroping or something else. I have a straight-edge with disposable blades as well and do not have this issue.

Thanks,

Dkr.

[criswilson10]

I would try refreshing with CrOx for about 10 laps and see if that brings it back.

[eddy79]

I would suggest technique is at least partially to blame and does take a fair number of shaves to get decent. In the beginning we tend to be hard on the edge so that is likely pat of it too.

[Haim]

A few things to consider:
1. There's a learning curve, like you said... It won't be perfect for a very long time :]
2. SR shaving depends on many variables.. there's been a thread not long ago about how the time in which we shave changes everything.. So try to manage as many variables you can, and blame them when things go south :]
3. A practical advice: there is such a thing as Over-Stroping.. Especially as a newbie, when your technique is not perfect, you might damage the bevel... the decrease in your quality of shaving could be explained by this...

Your SR might need a re-honing.. Try to refresh it with CrOx, see if it does something..
By the way - the fact that your razor doesn't cut the softer hairs might indicate that it is in fact dull...

Good luck!

[PaulKidd]

Haim has the right idea: there are many variables to contend with, and it might be of benefit
to you to tackle them one at a time.

First, make sure that your razor is as "sharp" as you think it is. Get it honed by someone
who knows what he's doing. Ideally, there's a mentor near you who can help with that.
Investigate that. Or, it may require that you send it to a pro to get it right. Either way,
get it done.

When you have a "known" shave ready razor, don't strop it...just shave with it, and see
how it goes. If that doesn't improve your shave, don't despair: the upper lip and chin may be
the most difficult areas to shave. That's where proper technique comes in. Go slow, watch
the face/blade angle...it might require a lower angle which must be maintained around a curve...
and that needs to be practiced.

Proper stropping is important in order to maintain the edge. That's a whole other topic, but there
is a lot of good advice available around here.

Then there's shaving technique: it has to be practiced, with patience. Try different things: angles,
directions, and above all, use a very (VERY) light touch with the razor. Let the blade do the work.

And take your time! If you don't have the time to devote to a proper straight razor shave, then
forget it and use something else...even if that means a disposable. There's no point in hurting
yourself or getting an unsatisfactory shave. Give yourself a break.

Shaving with a straight razor requires patience, practice, and perseverance.

Hang in there, and good luck!

[dkr]

So, I sent this razor to Lynn to look at and now it is crazy sharp. Before I used it, I had not shaved for three weeks and I got a perfect shave within two passes. So, at least that answered my first question -- the issue was not stroping or technique. I was simply unable to hone the razor to a sharp enough edge. I'm sure the issue was not lack of effort. I'm going to have to focus on honing some more and will be avidly reviewing technique and will make sure my stones are up to the task.

Dkr.

[eddy79]

Sounds like you need a second razor to practice on . When starting honing it will take a bit before you will get it right and even longer to do so consistently. Good luck

[dkr]

Thanks. I was thinking about getting a second one. I've had a few times where I bought cheapo razors just because I couldn't get the primary one right. I suppose this is a good excuse to start a collection. :-)

Dkr.

[eddy79]

Buy something cheap by all means but preferably vintage with good geometry and not much hone wear etc. A little patience and you can get the no name German/English/American blades pretty easily. Trying to learn on poor metal with problems isn't the best option

[BobH]

Glad you found the problem and the cure. I would still find a mentor near you, if possible, to learn how to hone from. It will make learning to hone so much easier and less frustrating than learning on your own. Trust me, learning on your own can be a long frustrating experience.

Bob