Thread: minimal burns/bumps

Hello all. Thanks for the website this is a goldmine.
Am new to straight shaving...i've done it a couple times on my "art of shaving" straight. Each time gets a little better with fewer burns...though still a bit of stubble and I always wind up cleaning up with my gillete. How do I know when it's technique vs the razor? And if there is anyone from Brooklyn reading where can I get my razor honed...I am in Park Slope but don't mind traveling by subway.

Welcome!

I think RichZ is in NY. You would be very lucky if you can arrange to meet him. He has done it for several members, providing loads of help. If he doesn't show up in this thread - PM him and see if he has the time

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by dshave

How do I know when it's technique vs the razor?

Now that's a good question. I found that, at the start, there's no way of knowing whether it's technique or razor. Instead I focused on technique first. From stropping to lathering, to skin stretching and blade angle and movement. As it began to feel more natural, I began to play with honing a little. But the real step changes and eureka moments came when:

[1] I had a shave from a very experienced barber, taking note of what he did, how he did it, in what order, and then just talking with him about it afterwards.
[2] Getting a gold standard and having Lynn hone a blade for me, as a comparison against my others in rotation.

Gradually over time I was able to separate technique problems from sharpness problems and improve even more.

I guess unless you completely eliminate one or the other, you'll never know whether it's technique or razor or both. And for me elimiating the razor variable was easy: $20 and a few days and it allowed me to focus on technique.

Welcom D, did you ever get the razor honed? Its rare for them to come shave-ready from the factory - despite what the sales staff tells you.

I would send the razor to Lynn or JoshEarl or Joe Chandler and have them hone it for you. While that's happening, get a cheap ebay razor and a hone and start practicing. Keep at it, it comes with practice and patience.

Jordan

thanks for the tip

In addition to being a newbie at straight razor shaving, I am also a newbie with respect to negotiating around this website (I feel like one of the ape-like men hanging around the Obelisk in 2001 Space Odyssey). How do I communicate with the above honemasters to send them my razor? I much appreciate any help.

You can either go the private messages area - link is in the upper right corner and send them a PM or find a post by one of them and click on their name and select "send private message". Lynn's name here is "adjustme69". The other two are as mentioned.

Jordan