Thread: Just can't get the hang of it.

Dave12345,

I would actually suggest putting out the feelers to see if there is someone close by who can watch you shave and give you a hands on clinic. If you're in Atlanta, I will be happy to help. If not, you can use the map to find someone close by:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vbgooglemapme.php

Sometimes, it just takes someone to show you what's going on. Being a DE shaver, you are likely to have plenty of experience on playing with angle and making lather etc. I am sure it is a little technique issue somewhere... Good luck!


-Rob

I agree with the advice you've gotten so far. I would add that for some of us, it simply takes a long time to get really good shaves with a straight. That can be a year or more of consistent practice. I don't mean that we can't get great shaves and enjoy the shaving, but to "master" straight shaving the way you might master a DE in a few weeks, isn't going to happen.

I've been using straights for about 2.5 years and while I can get excellent shaves, I'm still learning. If your standard for a good shave is what you can do with a DE, you're going to get irritation from the straight. Try going for a comfy shave and let the closeness come on its own. I think of it the same as they tell boxers: work the jab, the knockout will follow....

Jordan

+1 with the above advice. If you can find someone in your area that knows what they are doing who is willing to show you one on one that would make all the difference in the world. I was lucky that forum member The Topher filled that bill for me. He not only showed me honing and shaving techniques but lather as well. I had a couple of years of shaving with DEs under my belt but wasn't using the lather to the full potential.

As Lt.Arclight said a good carbon steel razor is more easily honed as well. One of the old Solingens especially. The current TI and Dovo can be tough in my experience. Until you get a truly sharp razor it is hard to practice good technique. Blade angle and manipulating the razor smoothly and correctly takes practice. Keep on keeping on, it is worth it once you get there.

I know a guy who struggled for months with a Dovo Micarta SS razor. I honed it three times for him and he was never able to get a decent shave. We ended up having him try an old Genco razor with very flat scales and within a couple days, he was getting the best shaves ever. The problem was that the round handle of the Micarta was simply not comfortable for him and for some reason the flatter Genco scales were. This really made me realize what an individual sport this art is. We had another member who was ready to give up and he came to the NC get together and we were able to watch what he was doing. When he left, he was able to shave with his straight razor.

It really would be great for you to be able to spend some time with a member close by who would be willing to help you. We really have a great support group in the members here as you have already noticed.

Let us know how it goes and I'll be happy to re-hone your razor if needed on me.



Lynn

5 years shving with straights, then happened on SRP and now still learning new things. I think you are right in trying a good carbon blade first, stainless as a starter , I believe is not a good idea, ts hard enuf for a newbie to learn honing on a carbon steel blade , if honing anything is completely new to them.

The first straight I bought was the one you own. I had a heck of a time until I tried another razor. I have worked with around a dozen or so and have found after about 7 months that that particular blade is very very good, however it takes a completely different technique to use it compared to the other vintage blades I also own. It really isn't that the blade can't get sharp enough, it does. I am convinced that the blade has a certain flexibility to the edge combined with my particular tough whiskers makes it difficult to get a good shave unless I pay particular attention to how I approach the angle and the right amount of light pressure. Strange thing to say but I highly recommend using an older wedge or perhaps get your hands on a wapi because until you have enough experience with a straight the hurdles with this blade will make your experience miserable.

Good luck,

Sean