Thread: Not as close as expected :(

Well.. a few weeks back, I purchased my first straight razor from zeepk.com (Zeepk Straight Razor first Quality carbon steel). I've watched many videos on YouTube about stropping and about the shaving technique, so I was all ready to go (but a little nervous). When I finally got out of the shower and went for my first shave, I found that the razor did not cut me once! While this should be gratifying enough, given the old reaction you get when you mention shaving with a straight razor, I was disappointed to find that my shave wasn't very close at all.

My second attempt yeilded some better results, but I was still left feeling quite scratchy. Both times I was forced to finish up with my Mach3 in order to get my face as smooth as it normally is. I've been told by barbers before that my facial hair is like iron... but I expected that a newly stropped razor would be able to get the job done. I know that my technique is still developing and that my angle might be off, but I'm seriously surprised at how not-close my shave is with the razor. Even going over my face 2 or 3 times, going different directions.

Am I missing something? Advice would be appreciated!!

I'm sorry to give you this news but Zeepk razors are complete junk. The steel is not of sufficient quality to get to a really decent edge and they will not hold whatever edge you can mange to get them to. It's not even worth trying to get it to sort of work.

If that's the case, what razor would you suggest that won't break the bank?

Look in the classifieds here. Make sure the razor is 'shave ready'.

Hate to jump in here but as a new person to straight shaving I went and found what is generally thought of as a "pretty good" straight razor maker - Dovo. They won't break the bank and is not of the highest quality, yet is not of terrible quality. Dovo is an average maker of straights. I have two: one carbon steel and one stainless steel and they work great. I wouldn't go running out on the street yelling and screaming about how great the quality is but they are definitely nothing to sneeze at in the quality department. Excellent for new users like you and I.

?? Dovo still makes some very fine razors. Their less expensive ones are still top quality but you're going to spend at least $70? You should be able to get a comparable or better used razor here in the classifieds for $40 or $50.

Originally Posted by minitruth

Well.. a few weeks back, I purchased my first straight razor from zeepk.com (Zeepk Straight Razor first Quality carbon steel). I've watched many videos on YouTube about stropping and about the shaving technique, so I was all ready to go (but a little nervous). When I finally got out of the shower and went for my first shave, I found that the razor did not cut me once! While this should be gratifying enough, given the old reaction you get when you mention shaving with a straight razor, I was disappointed to find that my shave wasn't very close at all.

My second attempt yeilded some better results, but I was still left feeling quite scratchy. Both times I was forced to finish up with my Mach3 in order to get my face as smooth as it normally is. I've been told by barbers before that my facial hair is like iron... but I expected that a newly stropped razor would be able to get the job done. I know that my technique is still developing and that my angle might be off, but I'm seriously surprised at how not-close my shave is with the razor. Even going over my face 2 or 3 times, going different directions.

Am I missing something? Advice would be appreciated!!

Look up see the word WIKI????
Read lots....
and welcome to SRP honest it will be the best shave you ever had once you get squared away.....

I will yield on the knowledge basis since I have two dovos and that's about it. No point of comparison.

Thanks for the (exceedingly fast) help and support. I was looking at a Dovo first and didn't buy based on price. I guess you get what you pay for. I'm gonna use the Wiki in case I missed any basic stuff and then get myself a good blade.

Granted I'm new also but on the advice of people here I kept my eyes on the classifieds. I got a good razor for a good price. My observation is that they go quick though.