Thread: First few shaves... not so good

The TI super gnome is a half hollow, usually 5/8, but can be 6/8... reasonably good razor, although not top of the line.
and honed by Lynn = sharp.
If you are getting smooth in areas, then you haven't rolled the edge yet.
I would say your prep or your technique is most likely the culpret.

For prep, make sure you shave after a hot shower, or use hot towels...
Use quality soap. You can get small sample size soaps from TGQ for like $3, and they are very good.
Try using a leave in hair conditioner or a preshave oil. And consider adding glycerine to your lather.

For technique, make sure you are using a very shallow angle, and not applying pressure. It's okay to make several passes to get the hairs, as long as you keep your face lubricated. When you make your strokes, do short clean strokes.
Someone here said to imagine you are landing a plane, and then taking off again (touch and go's) Your strokes should end with you sweeping or lifting the blade off your skin...
You can try refining the edge of your razor by stropping on a flat piece of newspaper... The easiest way to do this is to lay a paper open on the edge of a table, and use the open paper as a bench strop. It may take 100 passes or more to make much of a difference.

Jbone, I had the same problem a few weeks ago with a brand new, pre-honed DOVO as well. Horrible shaves, so I sent it back for re-honing, which I'm still awaiting to be shipped back to me.

Since then, I've been using my 2 disposable straights with unbelievable success. The blade is always sharp since you can change it whenever you need (I change after each pass to keep the shave close), and I've been getting some great BBS shaves. 2 WTG passes, 1 ATG. Terrific shaves.

I'm really contemplating selling the DOVO when it gets back to me, and sticking with my disposable straight! Good luck man

I also had the same problems when starting out. I also sent the razor out for rehoning because it did not feel shap. When it came back I was getting the same results. This was frustrating but it also told me that it must be my technique so I keep reading and trying different things. Well I am about 15-20 shave into it and I am getting great shaves now. Close shaves with almost no irratation so don't lose hope you will get it. Don't forget the basics and listen to these guys advice, they no what they are talking about.

Hi, well, I think we all had that problem when we stared out. I did.

Just keep reading, keep trying new things like angel of the razor, the way you hold it, soap( yes, not all are the same) and so one. You will find lots of good information here

I did! Thanks all for helping me!

Just take your time, work, and you will se

Good Luck

Cheers

Vegard_dino

Well you didn't say if it was your third shave with just the razor or third shave period so I'll assume the latter and if that the case I would say the fact you haven't sliced your face up at this point puts you ahead of the game. If after a month of shaves you still have problems then we can talk but until then its probably just a matter of experience and technique. If you are more experienced then its easier. Either you dulled the edge stopping or your using an improper angle or too much pressure.

I believe in stropping as well even though there is some question on this. I really don't have a clue what air cargo can do to a honed and stropped razor. This sounds more like either a technique problem or maybe both technique and soap or prep. The recommendation for starting slow with one area of the face until you get the feel of the razor and the right angle until you can start to attempt new places and angles continues. Remember 30 degrees or less usually.

Have fun,

Lynn

I'm a shaving newbie and I agree with the others that this is a learning curve issue. I had the exact same problem with the first few shaves, here are some of my suggestions for getting over that hump.

1) Preshave oil. I was surprised at how much this smoothed out my shaves. It seems to give a closer shave as well.

2) Get some really nice shaving cream and a large bowl for working up lather. I started with a small ramekin and when I switched to a larger bowl I was able to work up a much better lather. I also tried with soap but it didn't give me nearly as nice a shave.

3) Expect to make several passes. In problem areas, I sometimes have to make 3 or 4. I would suggest only doing a 3rd or 4th pass on areas that need it to avoid irritation in those that don't.

4) stretch out your skin and pay attention to your angle. Taut skin will lead to a closer shave and I find there is definitely a sweet spot to the angle. Too shallow and there is a ton of irritation and it doesn't seem to get as close. Too wide and your just scrapping off shaving cream.

5) practice makes perfect. For me, handling a razor was very unwieldy and it took many shaves (around a dozen or more) before I could do it effectively.

Hang in there, I think that once you finally get it, you'll be happy happy with the results. Oh, and get a strop and strop before EVERY shave, 15 laps on linen 60 on leather is what I do. Stropping has it's own learning curve before you can do it effectively so you should start practicing as soon as possible.

Originally Posted by vegard_dino

Hi, well, I think we all had that problem when we stared out. I did.

Just keep reading, keep trying new things like angel of the razor, the way you hold it, soap( yes, not all are the same) and so one.

Vegard_dino

OMG. I know this is an old post. I was searching for something else and came across this. That's what I've been missing?! The Razor Angel! How come nobody told me about this. Where can you find one?

Originally Posted by calamusink

OMG. I know this is an old post. I was searching for something else and came across this. That's what I've been missing?! The Razor Angel! How come nobody told me about this. Where can you find one?

well...
fairies aren't brave enough to deal with razors, so we get an angel to help us get a good shave.

but yeah, i think the angle on face is uber-important. i can tell when i've gone past about a 35degree slope, i stab myself (3rd times the charm)