Thread: Newbi, worst shave of my life

HI,
New to this groupe. Hoping to learn as I go. I got some "shave ready razors" off e bay. I finaly go the nerve to try a straight razor shave today. Man this was painful. This was the rougheust shave I have ever had. Had to finish up, re shave with a cartage razor. You Folks must be tougher than me, or these razors are not shave ready.
I guess I got some questions. do you think these razors need stroping or honing. I did try to strop. I did try more than one razor. I am thinking i might need to hone. Maybe I should by a new razor with honing service. any advice is greatly apericated.
dam my face is burning. I got more nicks, than i got the first time i shaved 40 years ago.
Jeff

Your razor is too dull to shave with. The guy who runs this website will sharpen it through classicshaving.com for $20 - if you want to shave with a straight it has to be very sharp, or it will keep cutting you and burning your skin!

Make sure to read the sticky threads in the newbie forum here. The information there will guide you toward properly preparing your razor and your face for a great shave. Good luck!

Why A "Shave Ready" Razor is often NOT Really Shave Ready - A Detailed Explanation
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions (Newbie Corner)
CRITICAL INFO FOR NEW MEMBERS!!: Read This Before Buying/Using A Straight Razor!!

They say "shave ready" on Ebay but thats all it is, say. Have someone sharpen it up for you and have a strop at home to keep it in shape. Don't ding the blade in the sink either. Do some reading around here. It will all come to you. What kinds of razors did you get?

+1 on what Hoglaloo wrote. Also, what kind of razors are you using? You need to use good steel that will hold an edge. Solingen or Sheffield razors are good bets usually but pakistani blades are universally a no no. As are cheaper stainless steel blades as I understand it...

let us know and get the honing done right! In the mean time, a little triple anti-biotic ointment, or an alum block if you can stand it might help you out. And time off from any razor if you can manage it isn't a bad idea either. Let your skin heal up before going at it with even your cartridge blade again...

good luck, it can only get better from here.

I agree with the above. My first shave was... ok. Not great, but certainly not as bad as yours. I knew I'd overcome it, as I know you will too!

But then came the day when I got my first razors back from Lynn, freshly honed. I immediately disowned any previous shaves and marked that day as my first real shave. Trust me, it's worth it. As said above, if you read the stickies you'll find several proficient hones for hire.

And definitely let us know which razors you got!

This is why I don't sell my razors on eBay as "shave ready." Shave ready is too subjective. It's like giving a guy who's never played golf a top of the line set of clubs and then expecting him to win a tournament his first time playing just because the clubs are "golf ready." Or putting a non racer behind the wheel of the same car that won the Indy 500 and expecting him to do the same because the car is "race ready."

Even though you have the best tools, it takes time to learn to use them to their potential.


Scott

(Edit: In addition to the above, I think the term "shave ready" is somewhat misleading as evidenced by the experience of this OP and several other new posters/ SR users. Somehow, shave ready implies that the razor can just be picked up and deliver, at least, a good shave. But, as of late, and maybe even further back, I've read many posts by guys who have purchased a shave ready razor only to report "the worst shave of my life", or "worst shave ever", etc.

So, I will hone and strop a new razor for a customer, if requested. But I always advise that it will take considerable practice to get that best shave experience.)

What brand are the razors?

Yeah, we'll need a little more info about the razors and equipment you're using. What kind of strop are you using? Stropping technique can be very difficult to master and is many times the culprit of dulling razors with new straight shavers. Also, I would forgo the hone until you have a truly shave-ready razor from one of our honemeisters. This way, you'll know how sharp the blade is supposed to be, and you'll have somewhat of a decent shave before giving it a go.

What kind of pressure/angle did you use while shaving? And what kind of soap/cream/preshave routine did you use?

Also, buying a nice razor w/ honing service is always a good idea.

Thanks for all the replys. I have been lurking around here 4 about a week.
I have red most all the sticky's. I did use a straight razor back in the 70's.
gave up back then because I could not keep the thing sharpe. I don't want to give up this time. This shaving thing is not going to get the best of me.
I have been trying to shave with a M.Jung, Reliance cutliery, and Pipe razor.
I gave it a try before stroping and after stroping. Did not see much diverance.
I feel that having some one sharpen my razor is "cheating". But I might just have to "cheat". Real men should know how to shave.cook.change the oil..................
thanks to all

Originally Posted by honedright

Even though you have the best tools, it takes time to learn to use them to their potential.

Agreed. Expectations need to be realistic. It takes practice and patience. If it were easy....



Jordan