Dumb Newb

Hello all

I am very new to the straight razor scene and so far i am enjoying it. I figured i might as well introduce myself to this group since this group has provided me with so much useful information. I'm a 19 (gonna turn 20 in June) pre-med student who has been shaving since 5th grade.

I stumbled upon this site hours after i purchased my first straight razor that a friend suggested (strictly due to the price). It was a cheap, made in pakistan <$10 razor. It was very dull and even after becoming sharp, only stayed sharp for a few strokes (i do have a thick beard but i am betting on the cheap quality). I realize that it is a terrible buy but i was wondering if i should even attempt to try an put a good edge on it or just buy a quality razor.

I do own a decent strop now, and am looking to purchase a better razor. I was looking at the DOVO 5/8 ebony spike point and the bismarck. Any suggestions?

Sorry to be so long winded but i have one more question. Does anyone have any tips for shaving around a protrusive adam's apple? I haven't been able to get a good shave there with the straight due to the fear of slicing myself since its a crappy blade. I usually just clean that area up with my mach3.

Thanks for all the information already up on the site, it has been very useful.

Toss the Pakistani razor. All attempts at honing are futile.

Welcome from a fellow newb!

I have the 5/8" DOVO ebony spike point that you mention, and I'm very satisfied with it so far. (That's two shaves. I'm learning.) You feel the spike, but in my opinion it just teaches you to be careful. :)

I can't help you about the Adam's apple, as I don't let my razor anywhere near there yet. I'm sure someone will chime in soon, though. Good luck!

Welcome aboard! You're correct about the Pakistani razor. I would look for a better quality razor. I haven't picked up a Dovo but have heard good things about them. Watch the buy sell trade thread here and you can find some good deals on vintage razors that are shave ready. Stay far away from zeepk...they aren't worth the money imho.
As far as the adams apple, I'm not sure, but there is probably some of the other members that can help you there.
Tony

Don't toss the Pakistani just yet- they make great pieces when your friends want to hold it, and they save your fingers when you need to open blister packs. That being said, don't let it near your face ever again! Hit up the Buy/Sell/Trade forum for a shave ready razor. There are a good amount of fantastic starter razors for little money to be found there.

Define decent strop- just to make sure:)

With the Adam's Apple, wait until you're comfortable using both hands and shaving without looking. You'll still be able to see, but you need to be to that level of comfort. Once there, tilt your head as far back as possible and jut out your chin so that the skin is as tight as possible. This should push your Adam's Apple in so that only a little is sticking out. From there, it depends on your razor. A spike would probably be your best bet, but there's more than one way to shave a cat (or neck). Get creative, and don't feel bad if you have to touch up with your M3 for a while

a used Illinois #127 given to me by a relative

thanks for the advice

-mike

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Originally Posted by mgtricker

a used Illinois #127 given to me by a relative

thanks for the advice

-mike

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Good deal!;)

I love dovo's, I have three, as far as the protruding Adam's apple goes, this is how I handle it. With non shaving hand pull the skin left of center and shave, then right of center and shave, dont be afraid to stretch it. Enjoy!

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I love dovo's, I have three, as far as the protruding Adam's apple goes, this is how I handle it. With non shaving hand pull the skin left of center and shave, then right of center and shave, dont be afraid to stretch it. Enjoy!

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+1 on stretching to the side.

When I shave my the hair on my Adam's Apple, I pull the skin to each side, instead on shaving directly over it. Much easier this way, and definitely less likely to slice yourself :)

(I actually learned that from the Barber's Manual posted in the library.)

+1 on stretching to the side as well- it's one of those things I do without thinking and forgot to put it down:gth

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mgtricker

Hello all

Does anyone have any tips for shaving around a protrusive adam's apple? I haven't been able to get a good shave there with the straight due to the fear of slicing myself since its a crappy blade. I usually just clean that area up with my mach3.

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Hi and welcome. :)

When I shave around my adam's apple, I just pull the skin off to one side, then the other.

YMMV

About the Adam's apple - I swallow, and kind of "hold it" by stopping halfway through as the swallowing raises it. Shave that area, let go of the swallow and shave what you couldn't get before - Works great for me!

Welcome to SRP!

I must be blessed with a small Adam's apple as I shave right over it without incident. However the level of difficulty posed by my neck hair grain still hasn't afforded me a great shave yet