Thread: Dancer new to straight razors.

Heya guys so i just shaved for the first time with my straight razor and it went ok, i did my whole face and only got one little nick because of the spike. i do have a few questions though, the blade seemed to skip a little and i did get it pre honed by lynn so i know its sharp enough but am wondering if its just my technique or theirs something else i am missing. And just making sure that you always shave with the grain on the first pass and on the second you can go against for a real close shave, i have only watched a couple videos on the internet of other people shaving relying on my ability to copy movement.

Congrats!

Did you strop before you shaved? Be careful when you do that you take it slowly to avoid damaging the edge in any way. The skipping is most likely a technique issue - try varying the angle you hold the blade to your face. Also do make sure you stretch your skin as tight as you can practically manage. And also remember that a straight blade is much longer than other shaving implements you may have used in the past - although we recommend light pressure, there is still a level of force required to move 3 inches of blade through stubble. The pressure refers to downward (toward the skin) pressure. I always try to have the blade in motion while it is on my skin to avoid cuts and nicks - shorter strokes can also help with this.

Yes, generally the first pass should be with the grain, but that is not always what happens because a lot of people's neck stubble grows in funny whorls. I do a north to south pass first, which generally corresponds to with the grain for my cheeks and part of my neck, across the grain for other parts of my neck, and almost against the grain for some of my neck whorls.

I'd also recommend diluting against the grain passes (south to north) in a 2 or 3 to 1 ratio when first starting. Every 2 or three shaves, do an against the grain pass. Don't try to do it every shave when you first start - give your skin a chance to recover a bit (against the grain can be traumatic on the skin initially). You can always clean up with your old shaver.

Congratulations again, and good luck!

James.

I concur with Jimbo! Hardly a surprise, but I still like to do it

Thanks. So i did not strop the first time because it was shave ready and i just shaved again today and i did strop and it went fine. I managed to shave quite a bit quicker and smoother than i did my first time but did manage to get myself on the spike twice. Other question hardest place i have to shave is my neck, its pretty corded with deep grooves where the muscles are and the skin is really taught, i cant really pull it all, it ends up leaving me with a nice groove of hair that i couldn't get to very easy and takes me forever and a few scratches to manage. is their an easier way?

Originally Posted by stuborndancer

is their an easier way?

yes, there is - get fat



i think that as you get more comfortable with the razor you'll find it easier.

Originally Posted by gugi

yes, there is - get fat



i think that as you get more comfortable with the razor you'll find it easier.

I second this... less of those pesky contours.

yeah, you think those old barbers were stupid practicing on a balloon?

Originally Posted by gugi

yes, there is - get fat .... <snip>....

A revelation... now i know why i have such an easy time shaving.. balloons are less rotund than I!

Originally Posted by stuborndancer

Wow thanks a ton for all the reply's. Nope don't shave my legs unless its necessary for the show im doing and that has only happened twice, and yeah it sounds about right i figured it would probably be easier if anything to shave the torso since i have pretty long muscles as a dancer i dont work at building up the rectus abdombinas (no six pack). lol well this makes me excited to try and i feel pretty confident with the idea being a knife enthusiest for most my life and hopefully it will mean the next time a choreographer wants me to get waxed so theirs no stubble at all i (NOT FUN) i can just give myself i real close shave and they will never know. Oh and i ordered my razor pre honed by lynn and was wondering what is the approximate amount of time its going to be untill i need to invest in a stone? i did get a strop but being a little short of money at the moment have withheld on the stone for now.

Strope i got: Heirloom Latigo "Apprentice" Strop
Razor i got: Dovo Ebony Spike Point, 5/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor

Figured if im going to spend on a razor and most i ever want to have is two to alternate between i might as well get one that i really like the look of.

wow if you buy a 80.00 dollar razor you will save money versus 12.00 throw aways. thats like 12 x 4week...48 dollars monthly...576 a year.. see it pays off to get a shaver and 4.00 shaving soap that last months..so its mart to learn how to razor shave,,this is a great place to start.

So i was off to do my third shave today and i managed to make a good mistake and smack the edge of my razor against the faucet which i hear is the number 1 enemy of straight razors lol. So i guess its time to invest in a honing stone isn't it, so much for waiting a while. I was gonna get the nortan 4000/8000 waterstone seems to be the all around best stone for newbies. if anyone has any suggestions im open to them.