First few shaves... not so good

[jbone]

So I bought a thierrs Issard "super gnome" and over the past week I have been trying it out with some poor results. So far im on my third shave. Some places on my face have never been smoother but others have never been so rough. It seems as though no matter what I do I cant get a close shave. The razor seems to go right over the hairs when I go wtg and it feels like its ripping them out yet its not really doing anything when I go xtg or atg. First and second shave I didnt use a strop prior to starting b/c I didnt have one. I did as much reading as I could, watched a bunch of videos including Lynn Abrams DVD (who had also honed the razor) and now even after stropping it still shaves the same . I will say that it has been getting a little better (and I mean very little) with each shave. Tonight although it was the best of the three, I got the worst razor burn I have ever had .

I hate to complain so much and be so long winded, I just thought I would include as much info as possible. None of this has discouraged me from continuing to shave w/ a straight, Im just hoping to get some pointers as to what the problem may be. Thanks!!!!

[Blackstangal]

Maybe your using wrong type of razor? I dont Know what type of blade a Gnome is,Stiff blade,wedge,soft blade,flexible.Different kinds of blades for diff hair type.Wronge blade could be your problem.Elaborate on your hair type and blade.

[Doc]

ok lets start with the basics. It sounds to me as if your razor is just dull but is lynn honed it that should not be the issue. next how many strokes are you stropping your razor. are you lifting the spine at all when you strop? this could roll the blade and cause the razor to dull. Also how are you prepping before the shave and what products are you using? give us a few more details and we would love to help you improve your shaving experience. You can also drop me a pm with question or we could discuss this in the chat. anyway help fill in the blanks and we will help if we can But keep in mind that it is not uncommon for your first few shaves to not go so well as you learn more and practice things will get better just hang in there.
Doc

[Mike_ratliff]

The TI super gnome is a half hollow, usually 5/8, but can be 6/8... reasonably good razor, although not top of the line.
and honed by Lynn = sharp.
If you are getting smooth in areas, then you haven't rolled the edge yet.
I would say your prep or your technique is most likely the culpret.

For prep, make sure you shave after a hot shower, or use hot towels...
Use quality soap. You can get small sample size soaps from TGQ for like $3, and they are very good.
Try using a leave in hair conditioner or a preshave oil. And consider adding glycerine to your lather.

For technique, make sure you are using a very shallow angle, and not applying pressure. It's okay to make several passes to get the hairs, as long as you keep your face lubricated. When you make your strokes, do short clean strokes.
Someone here said to imagine you are landing a plane, and then taking off again (touch and go's) Your strokes should end with you sweeping or lifting the blade off your skin...
You can try refining the edge of your razor by stropping on a flat piece of newspaper... The easiest way to do this is to lay a paper open on the edge of a table, and use the open paper as a bench strop. It may take 100 passes or more to make much of a difference.

[Gags1892]

Jbone, I had the same problem a few weeks ago with a brand new, pre-honed DOVO as well. Horrible shaves, so I sent it back for re-honing, which I'm still awaiting to be shipped back to me.

Since then, I've been using my 2 disposable straights with unbelievable success. The blade is always sharp since you can change it whenever you need (I change after each pass to keep the shave close), and I've been getting some great BBS shaves. 2 WTG passes, 1 ATG. Terrific shaves.

I'm really contemplating selling the DOVO when it gets back to me, and sticking with my disposable straight! Good luck man

[roughneck]

I also had the same problems when starting out. I also sent the razor out for rehoning because it did not feel shap. When it came back I was getting the same results. This was frustrating but it also told me that it must be my technique so I keep reading and trying different things. Well I am about 15-20 shave into it and I am getting great shaves now. Close shaves with almost no irratation so don't lose hope you will get it. Don't forget the basics and listen to these guys advice, they no what they are talking about.

[vegard_dino]

Hi, well, I think we all had that problem when we stared out. I did.

Just keep reading, keep trying new things like angel of the razor, the way you hold it, soap( yes, not all are the same) and so one. You will find lots of good information here

I did! Thanks all for helping me!

Just take your time, work, and you will se

Good Luck

Cheers

Vegard_dino

[thebigspendur]

Well you didn't say if it was your third shave with just the razor or third shave period so I'll assume the latter and if that the case I would say the fact you haven't sliced your face up at this point puts you ahead of the game. If after a month of shaves you still have problems then we can talk but until then its probably just a matter of experience and technique. If you are more experienced then its easier. Either you dulled the edge stopping or your using an improper angle or too much pressure.

[calamusink]

Hi, well, I think we all had that problem when we stared out. I did.

Just keep reading, keep trying new things like angel of the razor, the way you hold it, soap( yes, not all are the same) and so one.

Vegard_dino

OMG. I know this is an old post. I was searching for something else and came across this. That's what I've been missing?! The Razor Angel! How come nobody told me about this. Where can you find one?