Thread: Second Shave

My first couple shaves were pretty dissapointing, too...KEEP WITH IT!
I'm just now getting to the point that I can do a three pass shave with no touch-ups wioth the DE, and feel that I got a good enough shave to go to work. Still, if I have an important meeting, I'll shave with the DE to ensure a good shave.
Also, you will be amazed at the importance of good stropping. When you get those strops, watch your technique, start slow, but really give that blade a good stropping. Check your angles, enforce good tecnhique, and we'll both be BBS with straights soon enough!

I'm hopping to get the rest of my stuff in the mail today! I haven't decided if I will shave today since my face is a bit raw from yesterday. I probably will if I receive my other razor though. I don't think I could just look at it all day without giving it a try heh:

Take care that any stitching that may be on the edge is not harming your edge! I helped a member here prep a belt for use as a makeshift strop and it had a knot in the heavy thread on the edge that "popped" when you ran the edge over it. Long story short, we had to touch up his blade before he left.

Take short strokes and don't skimp on the prep! Hot towels, right out of the shower, good lather, slow but sure stropping, all make a difference and are part of the fun!


-Rob

Dups, as the other guys have said, pulling your skin tight is, IMO, every bit as important as how sharp your blade is. With a properly sharpened blade and properly pulled skin, I get less irritation on my with-the-grain (WTG) passes than I do with a regular safety razor or fusion. And a properly sharpened straight zips through the stubble as quick and clean as a safety razor, too. If this isn't happening for you: pull your skin tighter, or get your razor sharpened.

Keeping the angle between your blade and skin low will help alot, too.

I think of my main problem was that I wasn't wearing my contact lenses when I shaved yesterday and my glasses were just in the way the whole time. I got a pretty high prescription too so I couldn't see in certain spots. I'll strop the %&%^ out of it today.

Hi,
I am only waiting on my 4th shave with a str8 razor and this morning I was a bit disapointed with the result but I recon it was down to inadequate prep.
I have found already though, that too shallow an angle like much less than 30 deg.doesn't cut too well and also causes the razor to jump (my face may have been too dry as well). Yesterday was the best shave I ever gave myself so it has encouraged me to persevere.I haven't got a strop yet (I'm waiting on an Illinois 827 ) so I've just used it as it was sent to me.I have just found out how to mix up a superlatherwhich will make a difference.With all the little problems I have had so far it has still gone better than I expected and it is great fun learning.
Just thought I'd share my first experiences.