Thread: first shave

I am not sure where I went wrong, probably too many to list, but I got a new Wapi (prehoned and shave ready) and didn't have a strop so I thought (first problem, "I thought" LOL) why not try something else, so I took a stack of printer paper and layed it flat and "stropped" the razor on the paper lathered up and tried my first shave. Well that didn't go too well or I wouldn't be typing this right?
I am not sure if I ruined the edge with the paper or didn't hold the razor correctly or what of any number of things it could be but it just didn't seem sharp and really gave me a bit of a rash with only one tiny nick. (didn't even use stypic) So what does everyone think, should I have it rehoned, just buy a good strop and try again, sell it all on ebay and stick to cartridges?
Help and thanks,
Photoguy67

where are the photos, photo guy?

Still on my shelf, I don't do digital. I do old fashioned film.

Give a razor at least 10 shaves before you give up on it. It is possible that you screwed up your edge somehow, but most of the time for a new shaver it is an issue of technique. If after 10 shaves or so you hasn't had a single one that is better, then it's quite possible that you rolled your edge or something to that effect. Chances are you will have a shave where the angle and pressure just seem to "click" and suddenly shaving gets a lot easier.

Wapis are great shavers but you may have rolled the edge if your downward pressure was excessive and/or lifted the spine. All part of the learning curve.
A perfect edge is delicate and whether honing or stropping the pressure should only be enough to keep the razor flat & in contact. You will feel more resistance on leather but it is more linear rather than downwards.

You should definitely buy, beg, borrow, or make a good leather strop. It is essential for maintaining your edges.

It will all come together in time. Hang in there. Your first good shave will make it all worthwhile.

Well I am up to my 5th shave now and I definately have a learning curve! I finally got a leather strop and gave the razor a good stropping and it truely seems alot sharper and my technique is getting better I had some severe razor burn and finally figured out to stop trying to shave and just cut the hair off my face, sounds silly but it works for me!! LOL I figured out that I was pressing against my face way too hard and just let the razor glide along the surface and that seems to have made all the difference in the world. Thanks to everyone for all your advice!
Photoguy67