Thread: Frustrated Straight Razor User

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

I've been using the changeable blade straight razor for a few weeks and I constantly get cuts. I'm going to list step-by-step what I do when I shave so people can tell me what i'm doing wrong, because it's really annoying!

1. Every shave I change the blade on the razor/ I use Derby razor blades
2. I get a bowl and squirt a little bit of Proraso shaving cream, then wet my brush and mix into a lather
3. Then I use my hands and apply warm water to my face a couple of times
4. Then I use the brush and apply the shaving cream to my face
5. Finally I get the razor, stretch out my skin, and shave in a upwards motion against the grain

When I do it, the razor does not glide easily across my face. It gets caught on the hair. It does not cut the hair easily. It doesn't feel good. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

Hi, you should shave WITH the grain FIRST, and against the grain only if needed after an ACROSS the grain pass. AGAINST THE GRAIN comes LAST, not first! IMO this is the main reason you cut yourself.

Your prep sounds like a decent minimum, but still like a minimum. The longer you leave hot water or a hot wet towel or warm lather on your face, the softer and more shave ready your beard and skin will become. After a shower is probably the best moment unless you like to sit on the toilet or something with a hot towel on your face

I would suggest not changing the blade each shave...I use a shavette right now and the second shave is a little more comfortable because i feel the disposable blades to be TOO sharp out of the box.

Also have to agree with the previous gents...you need to take your time and do multiple passes and definately start WTG...lots of hot water before (SHOWER?) and dont shave an area unless you reapply lather...that was my biggest problem when i started...and again...take it slow