New SR shaver, day 4

I waited for my 4th day to post my experience so far.

I'm getting a closer shave than my Mach 3, except for a few places. Obviously, I'm just going to have to learn the lay of my face and pay closer attention to my blade angle.

Only one cut on day 1, but lots of little bloody spots where my face seems slightly "raw". They close up when I rinse with cold water, no pencil is even needed. However, my face seems a little raw all day. I'm going to experiment with after shaves to see if that helps.

That being said, I enjoy the shave, but think I enjoy the ritual even more. I suppose I should pick up Lynn's CD to see if that helps.

It takes a while. Lynn's CD in informative. I cut myslef more with a Slant than I did when I tried a str8. Pratice, patience, a good styptic pencil (or alum block) goes a long way. By the way... the wife never thought the DE was sexy. she loves the str8.
Martin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Martlet

Only one cut on day 1, but lots of little bloody spots where my face seems slightly "raw". They close up when I rinse with cold water, no pencil is even needed. However, my face seems a little raw all day. I'm going to experiment with after shaves to see if that helps.

That being said, I enjoy the shave, but think I enjoy the ritual even more. I suppose I should pick up Lynn's CD to see if that helps.

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Hey Mart, I'm in the same boat as you with just 4 shaves under my strop. My first shave went well except for shaving a mole off my cheek... it was expected LOL.

The thing that has really pleased me is the neck area. After the first shave, it was just as red and irritated as with my M3. But now, after my last shave, there is no more reddening of my "scrotum like" neck skin anymore. Could be that I have been working my razor through the "pyamids" and honing my honing skills. Could be the aftershave balm... but I do know this. My face seems so much better than it did after a raking with the M3. I'm actually concerned if, in an emergency, I should ever have to us an M3 in the future that I may just skip shaving those days all together. As a side benefit of straight razors, I get out of the ol' fart sac much earlier in the morning so that I have time to partake in this new obsession!

Have fun!

Hey,
It sounds like your "little bloody spots" are caused by too much pressure on the blade--like you are plowing your way through your bumps, etc. on your face. Use zero pressure. Let the blade weight do all the work.
Hope that helps!
Be patient. The fun increases!
Ron

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ron A

Hey,
It sounds like your "little bloody spots" are caused by too much pressure on the blade--like you are plowing your way through your bumps, etc. on your face. Use zero pressure. Let the blade weight do all the work.
Hope that helps!
Be patient. The fun increases!
Ron

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Let me try that, then. Thanks!

Martlet,

I'm thinking pressure and angle are the most likely culprits here. Like Ron said, try conciously lightening the pressure... Also, try lowering the spine closer to your skin. If the angle is too steep, you'll get a close shave but the razor will peel the top layer of your skin--ouch.

Also, make sure your prep is adequate.

If you're still having this problem consistently in a week or two, then the edge could be the issue. Drop me a PM and we'll work something out. :)

Keep at it--sounds like you're doing well.

Josh

Don't worry about the raw feeling, it'll go away. Once you've eased up on the pressure and our face gets used to the heavy depiling action of the straight edge razor.

X

I have to agree with the pressure and angle advice. I might also add that it does take some time for your skin to adjust to the Str8. Give your face a rest for a day or two at a time whenever you can.


Welcome to the SRP!:)

I tried less pressure today and paid attention to the angle more. I ended up with less of the raw feeling, but not as smooth of a shave. It also felt like the blade was "skipping" and hanging up on the whiskers.

As your technique improves the s k i p p i n g will go away. I would advice you to keep you hand moving at all times. This will give you the momentum needed to shave your whiskers
I would also recommend a A/S balm (Proraso works great for me) reducing the burn