How are you coming along?

[Cobo]

So, I'm hoping that this thread will become a bit of a place for us newbies to come together. To let one another know how we're coming along, discuss problems we have in common and so on. Hopefully (and knowing the ultra-helpful folks here, certainly) get a bit of helpful comments from those who have been where we are now.

Not to sound lame, but I'm hoping to build a bit of a sense of comraderie amongst us new folk. Admit it, learning a new hobby is always more fun when you feel like you're part of a group, like you have friends with whom you can discuss everything pertaining to your new passion. I'm sure it's half the reason we're all here! :P

Anyways, on to the actual meat of my post...

So, since my razor arrived from Ken on Tuesday, I've been shaving with it every day. I haven't even touched my DE. Though it does take me ages to get a complete shave, I'm down to about twenty minutes but I was taking around a half hour. I'm getting a little less irritation now, but my first few shaves especially left me with a real burning sensation (it's a good thing my face is already like leather, due to years of working out in the open elements :P) but it's getting a little better each time.

Still though, I can only get under my nose by bringing the blade in on a ninety degree angle to my skin, snagging the hair and improving the angle on the way down. Which leads to a TON of tugging. I also have to do about six passes over the tip of my chin, changing the angle and moving in slightly different directions, pulling the skin this way and that to get it done.

I'm still hooked, though, near to the point of obsession.

So, hows about you other new guys?

[cwrighta70]

Oh, I'm obsessed no doubt about it. The only problem for me right now...not enough money! My wife and I are too caught up in paying off bills and such. Perhaps one day soon, I'll be able to afford a new strop, barber's hone/coticule, norton 4k/8k, badger hair brush, and a few more razors. One day...

Other than that, the shaves are going very well. I'm getting BBS smooth almost every shave. AND I'm almost finished with the first razor box (for another member). Should have it done next week, as the wife and daughter will be out of state for 2 weeks.

That's about it..
~Chris

[STOGIE]

Did my 3rd straight razor shave ever today. The 1st & 2nd time I had zero nicks or cuts but today I cut myself for the first time, 2nd time and 3rd time!

Here are my issues:

1. Now, I recieved my 5/8" Dovo Bergischer Lowe razor on Thursday and noticed today that I have som sort of tarnish on the back side of the blade.
2. Also, It seems as if the blade is loose. All 3 times I used it, when I went to close the razor, the blade edge would have hit the inside edge of the handle if I wasn't paying attention.
3. Stropping - I have the Illinois Russian Leather #827. It seems that when I strop my razor when my strop is hanging, it sucks! I get much better results when I lay it flat on my table. either way I can't pass the HHT unless I "smack" or "chop" the hair with the edge of the razor. When it does cut the hair, there is an audible pop.
4. my 4K/8K water stone should arrive tomorrow. I'm presuming/hoping that once I get a good hone on the edge, it should make a huge difference. My next purchase will be a good polishing stone......Any recomendations?

Good post Cobo!

[Cobo]

Well, it sounds like you're both doing awfully well. I'm still running in to a bit of trouble with razor burn myself, and the area under my lip and the curve of my chin is giving me fits, but I'm still having a blast. :P

[Whiskers]

My shaves are turning out better with a bit of pratice ..

The last shave I had wasnt too bad; closer than the previous shaves .. thats for sure but more cuts this time. Completed 2 passes trying to refine my technique. Hardly recieved any burn this time around, so I think I am catching on.

Just waiting for some cuts to heal up before I give it another run... lol.

Glutton for punishment, I guess.

Also, still having trouble getting a good lather.


All in all ... I have yet to beat the shave I get from my daily disposable.

[Pyment]

Third shave went better that the first 2. I stropped the blade much more and didn't try to go cross the grain and against the grain. I finished with my DE and got a quite satisfactory shave.

However, I am embarrased to say that I hacked up my strop quite severely and wonder if I have ruined it. I figure I will continue to use it now until I feel more comfortable. I am trying the "x" stroke, but can see I am really going to want a wider strop.

[shaverdude]

Well, I completed my first ever straight razor shave last Sunday evening. Using brand new, “Lynn Abrams sharpened (LAS)” Dovo 5/8 razor. It was difficult, but I was able to get the right half of the face done in 30 minutes. Severe razor burn and these little red bumps followed, all was gone by morning though, never got the BBS. Used AOS pre-shave oil and shaving cream. Did about seven or eight passes in various directions. Shaved about 20 minutes after shower, no hot towel just rinsed face with hot water and began.

Monday night shaved left half of face after performing hot towel treatment per Lynn Abrams video. Less razor burn and red bumps than Sunday night, but both were still plenty and very noticeable, that is why I shave in evening. No BBS. Did about five or six passes in various directions (WTG, XTG, ATG, WTG, XTG) Used pre-shave oil as well. Stropped a straight for the first time ever…about 4 hours before shave.

Last night, shaved right side of face immediately out of shower and used pre-shaved oil. Much less razor burn and red bumps, getting a little closer to BBS. Did only three passes and am beginning to realize perhaps more passes are necessary but in very localized areas. Had to use Mach 3 to shave chin area, always get near BBS using Mach 3, but visible stubble of outline of beard area on face always remains, even though stubble can’t be felt (unless you wait until three hours later). Stropped razor about 4 hours before shave.

Tonight, will go with left side again, no pre-shave oil, right out of shower and see what happens.