Third go-round

Good Day All,
Well, I went for my third go-round with my str8. Here is my brief report. Any suggestions would be of great help.

I stropped my blade with my new Latigo Heirloom Linen and Leather...20x on each side. I used lots of hot water and lathered up with T&H Ultimate comfort cream after using the T&H Ultimate Comfort Preshave. I used a hot towel and lathered again. Then I got to shaving.

I got a better "glide" out of my blade and actually made two passes WTG, relather and ATG. I found that certain areas of my face were smoother than ever, but still had some trouble spots. One...under my lip...Two...going ATG on my sideburns and at the edges of my lips. At each area I got little nics....about like a paper cut...although one was a little more, but not bad. I seemed to have problems with starting the stroke. I must have let the razor sit on my skin too long before starting...trying to find the right angle and hand position. After I was done, I had slight red lines ...the papercuts...at the problem areas I mentioned. I got a better shave with two passes, but am still wary of certain areas and would like to avoid these tiny slices where I am starting my strokes.

I washed up and used Taylor After shave...followed by some Noxema aftershave lotion because my face felt so dry....ouch!!! The Noxema burned, but felt better later. Overall it was a pleasurable experience and enough to keep me interested and convince me that a str8 is the best way to go. Any advice would be of great help

Take Care,
Tom

Sounds to me like you are doing great. I have been using a straight razor for a little over three years now, and I still have problem areas. A lot of it is just developing your technique. This includes stroping, and shaving technique. Some guys have more problems areas than others. It all depends on your face shape, whisker density, grain of the growth etc.... Everyone is different. The paper cuts you are describing sound like exactly what you have already deduced...when you hesitate starting or during a stroke you run that risk. Especially with a very sharp blade, and while you are still developing your angle of attack. Keep it simple at first. When you feel more comfortable try different grips and strokes. This may make you feel like you are back at square one, but it really is not. Along with each new grip/stroke comes slightly different technique you have to learn. I still use a DE razor to clean up. I also still use a DE razor if I am in a hurry. There is no shame in it. Straight razor shaving is an art after all, and it can never ever be rushed. Well you can rush if you do not mind those little nicks/line cuts turning into missing an ear, or giving yourslef an extra nostril. I will try a new grip/stroke on my problem spots everyonce in awhile to experiment. Take your time, relax, and as Lynn always says ....have fun.