Thread: Newbie

Hey all, I’m new to straight razor shaving. I recently had it sharpened. When I shave it feels like the wiskars are being plucked out of my face How do I fix this? Could it be the angle of the blade on my face, or can this be corrected with stropping?

Well I am very new myself. So I won’t say much. It is probably your angle and the amount of pressure you are using. No more than a 30° angle and very little pressure.

But please wait for more people to jump in that knows way more than me. I am very new myself.

Roger

Is this your first shave.?
Who did your honing.?
Was it stopped before you got it back from honing, or did you strop it before your shave.?
How much angle did you use.?
What preshave prep did u use, if any.?
Stretching the skin.?

As you can see, there's a pile of variables to consider.
And for being new to the game, makes it that much more difficult to pinpoint. Its called the learning curve, we've all been through it. It takes an average of 100 shaves to start becoming proficient with a straight.

I'm not trying to discourage you, ya just can't expect perfect shaves for awhile. It takes time.

If all variables are spot on, you probably have an edge that's quite not up to snuff.

Originally Posted by outback

Is this your first shave.?
Who did your honing.?
Was it stopped before you got it back from honing, or did you strop it before your shave.?
How much angle did you use.?
What preshave prep did u use, if any.?
Stretching the skin.?

As you can see, there's a pile of variables to consider.
And for being new to the game, makes it that much more difficult to pinpoint. Its called the learning curve, we've all been through it. It takes an average of 100 shaves to start becoming proficient with a straight.

I'm not trying to discourage you, ya just can't expect perfect shaves for awhile. It takes time.

If all variables are spot on, you probably have an edge that's quite not up to snuff.

Had a professional do the honing, I did strop it prior to use, used a pre shave oil, after a hot show. peobably due to the angle and the fact it was my second time with a straight. I know there’s quite the learning curve. Just wondering if some tugging is normal

In my limited experience when the razor pulls the whiskers it means the blade is dull or the angle is wrong. Stropping probably won't fix either problem.
Has this razor ever given you a good shave?
Did you strop the razor after it was sharpened and before the first shave?
What did you do to prep for your shave?
More experience people will be responding as the day progress.
Al

If it's pulling whiskers your blade is not sharp. when you say you had a "professional" hone it, was it honed by someone who does a lot of straight razors or someone that does more knives and cutlery?

Originally Posted by Butzy

If it's pulling whiskers your blade is not sharp. when you say you had a "professional" hone it, was it honed by someone who does a lot of straight razors or someone that does more knives and cutlery?

He does both, told me that there is a difference between a knife and a SR. Seemed like he knew what he was doing. Also sells all kinds of shaving gear.

Outback hit the nail on the head.
Where do you live? There may be a member near you that hones. Did you say what razor it is?

Live near Cornwall, but travel to Ottawa for work, so I’m in the city often enough. Had it sharpened at knife wear on Bank st. Not mocking the guy who sharpened it, I was just wondering if it’s the razor or the user. It’s 5/8” Dovo Solingen.

Welcome to SRP!!!!!

You've been given some very solid advice. You have a good razor, so the question is, is it honed properly.
Or did you roll the edge when stropping it. That is a common beginners mistake.
As outback mentioned, stretching the skin is paramount to a good shave.
And your angle should be just a bit of the spine off of your face.

Good luck and keep us updated!! We're here to help you out.
There's also a few members with great experience in your area