Thread: 4 shaves in and a few problems....

hey gents,

first post here and happy new year's to all.

I'm four shaves in and having a real problem with my neck-particularly the left side (I'm right handed)
I'm using a dovo 5/8 in tortoise. I purchased the razor pre-sharpend from classic shaving.

The razor seems to pull a little. Should it be sent off to be honed, or is my technique still that bad?

Also, any tips for shaving the upper lip near the nostril?

Thanks in advance

Did you get the prehoned option, if so I would be inclined to think it is technique, especially since you mention its the neck that is giving problems. Off the top of my head without seeing your technique I would suspect improper stretching of skin and incorrect blade angle. Forgive me if Im wrong.

My beard grows in the opposite direction in the neck area (about one inch all the way down) so you could try to just go the opposite way in the bottom and then do the rest as normal.

Here is a description of doing the upper lip. I never go up against the grain on my upper lip although some do. I agree with nun2sharp that skin stretching may be the issue along with blade angle. About twice the width of the spine seems to be smoother.

Lynn recommends just doing the cheeks the first couple of shaves and gradually adding real estate as you get the feel of the razor in your hand and the blade on your skin. I know that I finished the upper lip and chin with a DE the first couple of weeks that I shaved before I started doing a complete straight razor shave. You can find shaving videos here if you haven't already seen them. Welcome to SRP !

I'm going to agree with the guys who think its a combination of skin stretching and blade angle problems; not because I'm an expert, but because I'm having the same experience as you are, with the same tool (razor from classicshaving with the presharpened option). My technique is awful, because I've only shaved twice, but every so often, i get a great stroke, and i can tell its a well sharpened blade. Also, i accidentally cut my thumb while handling the razor, and the skin shaved right off. Didn't draw any blood though!

On my first shave, I didn't really cut myself, so i figured the blade was dull. But if you're having the same experience with tug and drag, I would imagine that its us rather than our razors.

Another thing to consider is preparation. That and lathering. The whole being the sum of it's parts all things contribute to a smooth close shave. I usually shave following my shower. One way or the other I wash my face in hot water, rinse and repeat. The barber does the hot towel thing to soften and moisturize the whiskers. I don't usually bother with that but that helps too.

A good lather with a quality soap or cream will also help soften and moisturize and help the razor glide on the skin. It also probably protects from razor burn to some extent. Lathering is an art in itself and has to be learned. Took me awhile but I finally figured it out and my shaves improved.

Gents,

thanks for the responses so far. I suppose the fault lies in my technique, but damnit-i was hoping to lay this off on someone else. haha.

I've been using TOBS Rose and have noticed the lather seems to dry out on my face. Little bits of 'fluff' flake off frequently. Am I not using enough water in building my lather or is it because my shave still takes a while and the lather just dries out?

If it's only one area that you're having problems with, chances are it's your technique and not the razor. Try using a lower angle with the spine closer to your skin than you might think is best.

Maybe my shave vid will help you some, but be warned about the "Fool's Pass" on the upper lip at the end of the shave. It is not recommended nor to be tried lightly if you want to keep your nose.
Here's the link: http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...technique.html

X

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Another thing to consider is preparation. That and lathering. The whole being the sum of it's parts all things contribute to a smooth close shave. I usually shave following my shower. One way or the other I wash my face in hot water, rinse and repeat. The barber does the hot towel thing to soften and moisturize the whiskers. I don't usually bother with that but that helps too.

A good lather with a quality soap or cream will also help soften and moisturize and help the razor glide on the skin. It also probably protects from razor burn to some extent. Lathering is an art in itself and has to be learned. Took me awhile but I finally figured it out and my shaves improved.

I was going to write something similar just before I saw this post.


Kerik, I noticed that even when I shave with a cartridge razor (my straight is in the mail), when my hair is softer, and better prepared, the blades pull SIGNIFICANTLY less, and it feels much better, and seems closer too. So I'd agree in saying beard preparation is huge also.

Originally Posted by kerik

Gents,

thanks for the responses so far. I suppose the fault lies in my technique, but damnit-i was hoping to lay this off on someone else. haha.

I've been using TOBS Rose and have noticed the lather seems to dry out on my face. Little bits of 'fluff' flake off frequently. Am I not using enough water in building my lather or is it because my shave still takes a while and the lather just dries out?

When I first started straight razor shaving I took so long that I too had the problem of the lather drying out on my face. I would keep the brush handy and have to hit it again in spots. This didn't last too long before I gained a bit of speed. I don't know how moist your lather is to start with. Here is a link to some good video on lathering. Helped me.