Thread: 2nd shave questions

Well, I shaved with my shave ready razor, honed by Joshearl. The razer was plenty sharp. I showerd and shaved. I followed the pictures in "The Straight Razor Shave" book. My cheeks went well, but I got bad razor burn on my neck, and I found it super hard to get though my chin wiskers. The razer would sort of get stuck in them.
I tried to keep the razer at about 30 degrees. I was also making really small passes, around 1-2 cm and then I'd stop. I know it was definatly sharp enough, the problem is clearly with my technique. I re lathered when it started drying up.
Any suggestions?
Thanks guys

I just had my third go at it this morning, and it went much better then before. I think a lot has to do with confidence, at first it is very nerve racking holding a razor to my face. I still got a bit of razor burn this time, mostly on my neck, its very sensitive there. And I only did one pass, so I didn't get it as close on my chin as my Mach 3, but if I did a second pass I'm sure I would have gotten it a lot smoother.
So, forward progress! And I think the key thing is that I enojoy it, so I will get better.

Nick,

Sounds like things are progressing nicely. There are a lot of variables at first--prep, stropping, angle--so even a sharp straight can shave poorly until you get those nailed down.

Keep us posted, and remember that I'll be glad to rehone the razor at no cost if you feel it's necessary.

Have a good one,
Josh

Thanks so much, that definatly isen't necessary, it was super sharp, you did a great job on the razor!! I know for sure any problems I have is due to my inexperience. I got a even better shave out of it the second time. I just need to keep at it.
Thanks again for your help Josh!

Nick - sounds like you're on the right track - Like Josh said, there are a multitude of variables that can screw up for a newbie - not all of which are related to the razor. The stropping can dull a shave ready razor, the blade angle, the stroke chozen, etc. I'm still with you, trying to figure out what works best, what doesn't work at all, and how not to screw up too badly.

As for your lather drying out, add a little hot water to your brush and re-apply when you see it drying out a bit...I've done that for years (my father, while a cartridge user, always insisted on using a brush and soap, so that's how I learned too). Of course, YMMV.

Keep at it, and keep us posted.

Mark