First Shave, OUCH, any advice?
I decided to try a straight razor because the electric razors I been using all my life (Norelco) just weren't getting to certain spots without skin damage and the shave didn't last long like in my past younger days. The razors in the stores with like 5 blades all in one handle look like over-priced plastic pieces of crap. So I bought from ClassicShaving.com a PRE-SHARPENED Thiers-Issard Sheffield Silver Steel 5/8. I put a lot of faith in their statement:
"As a customer service, the razors in our Thiers-Issard inventory labeled "PRE-SHARPENED" have been additionally hand honed in the USA by a ClassicShaving Sharpening Expert before being returned to our inventory".
So here's how the first shave went with 2 day stubble. There was some blood but minimal. I suppose technique will develop over time. Otherwise I found it pretty painful. That was the biggest turn off and I had to abort on the chin.
Now I don't know if the above statement "pre-sharpened" is true and it is sharp enough or maybe I was going too slow with the blade.
It seemed as the blade was pulling on the stubble rather than cutting it but keep in mind I was hesitant of going too fast. I had to dig in to get results but at the same time I was a little afraid to dig in and move the blade faster and end up with a nasty cut. When I tried it on a leg the hair came right off, no issue.
So my questions are:
Am I moving too slow?
Even though I drew blood is this blade sharp enough (because it was bought from a reputable company)?
Is this normal because perhaps my skin is not used to a blade?
What is the best degree to hold the blade?
:shrug: