Thread: First Shave

Hey,

Well, after looking around at buying a new electric razor (and possibly spending $300+) i decided that i still wouldn't get the shave i was after, so i decided i'd go down the path of a straight razor.

As per usual, i went down the cheapest possible options, which i think may have been my downfall.

The razor i got seem's pretty bad, some cheap 'samurai' thing, kinda-ashamed to post a pic, but here we go



The blade is 'sharp' If i run it over my thumb nail without applying pressure it starts to cut into it (probably not the best thing for the blade)

I also have a decent strop. I used the strop and it definitely helped... but still doesn't seem to really cut/shave very well,

It did do a good job of scraping any dead skin off my face, but left most of the hair,

I'm wondering if this is the blade or something im doing? maybe the angle of the blade

I tried just straightening some leg hair and pressing the razor into it, and it does cut it, but it kinda rips at the hair also... its not exactly easy, i have to apply a fair bit of pressure...

I'm wondering if i should outlay a bit more money for a better blade, or should i get a hone and try to make it sharper ...

Don't want to give up, really enthused about the whole straight razor idea

- Netsplit
Adelaide, Australia

Hi Netsplit. A hearty welcome to SRP. Here you will find lots of encouragement and support. I have no idea where you got your razor, what that razor is and what type of prep work was done on it. I doubt it was truly shave ready, although you say it was sharp. Sharp doesn't mean shave ready. You have a few avenues available to you. The first would be to visit our classifieds for razors. I know this is akin to closing the barn door after the horse has left. But it's a start for you. In the classifieds you will find many, many razors that are truly shave ready. I know you are from Australia and shpping probably won't be cheap. Contact the seller and see what you can arrange. Also contact Kenrup (a member here) who sells starter kits.

In the mean time you should get your razor honed by a honemeister. I am sure there are some of your fellow countrymen that can either do it, or give you some guidance for getting that done. Having a shave ready blade is paramount.

The next thing to look at would be your technique. In Lynn's CD (a great investment by the way) he recommends starting by shaving from the sideburns to the jawline, and only WTG. Finish your shave with what you have been using. Get a feel for how the blade feels against your face and in your hand. From there you can add new areas as you get more comfortable. Don't hurry it along, take your time. You will get a feel for blade angles and pressures.

Expectations. Keep them realistic. Don't expect that BBS for a bit of time. Remember, you have to learn how to use your razor without requiring stitches or a blood transfustion. Take your time and exercise patience (not one of my outstanding virtues). It will come in time.

Hones. You will eventually want to get them. You don't need them at the start. Get yourself a shave ready razor (either purchasing one in that condition or get your honed properly). When you do get your hones, you will already know what shave ready means for the edge.

Face preparation is also important. Since you are using an electric razor you will need to learn how to make a good lather using shave soap/cream with a brush.

Most of all, don't get discourage. Enjoy the experience of shaving. We have all been through it ourselves. No one came into this world pre-trained on straights...

It sounds like the razor needs to be sharpened, if possible. Some brands are so cheap that they don't sharpen well though. A shave ready razor has no trouble slicing through my leg hair

There are several members here who offer sharpening services and who sell razors as well. You might want to browse the razor and the member services sections of the Classifieds here at SRP

I'm not sure that razor can be sharpened. Does it say Pakistan on it anywhere? If so, it's no use. Even if it doesn't it might be hopeless. I will also direct you to the classifieds for a restored antique from one of our members. There are some great deals to be had there and it will arrive in shaving sharp condition.

X

Yep. There are 3 or 4 shave ready razors for sale there right now for less than $40 shipped to the US