Thread: An Odyssey

You're off to a great start. One thing not yet mentioned is that the first few weeks of straight shaving is pretty aggressive to your skin even though it usually feels great. Give your skin time to adjust to the extra removal of the top layer by shaving every other day at the most when you start out.

X

Had my first straight shave today. Had to use my Fusion to finish parts of the job, and it was....well, not the best shave. I think the razor is a little duller than would be ideal, and my technique is definitely questionable...

But fewer weepers than my normal shave, and a heck of a lot of fun! (If a little harsh around the edges...)

I'm awfully happy!

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

I think the razor is a little duller than would be ideal, and my technique is definitely questionable...

I am on about shave 10 and I am finding that my razor which seemed dull, is magically getting sharper. In other words, it was never dull but with proper technique, the sharpness is seen.

I am improving:

- Stropping
- Lathering
- Technique (skin stretching and blade angle/position)

I think this is genuinely dull. The fellow who sold it to me said it "Shaved him well enough, but I'm no honemeister". It's definitely been honed at a shallower angle at the toe, gets fairly sharp toward the toe-middle end, and is blunt at the heel, where there is also a ding in the edge that was incompletely honed out.

I think I'm going to A.) Buy a razor from the classifieds here
B.) Send this to a honemeister to get it fixed up.

Good ideas. Then you will know and you'll know that you know, and we'll all know that you know too.

X

Well, I've mailed off this original razor to Utopian, who generously agreed to fix up the edge for me. I've been shaving with it, though, and it's certainly possible to get a good shave from it...provided you are very patient. It's hard to cut yourself, though.
That's what determines it needs honing to me- unless I do something painfully, blatantly stupid (happens once or twice each shave) it doesn't cut me...and based on my tension, technique, etc. I should look like I've been in a knife fight.

I also picked up this Torrey from a local antique store; it's so dull you can't cut a thing with it, and it was pretty badly stained, but no rust and only one small pit- virtually no hone wear! I'm planning on sending it to Lynn....

I've also got a strop from Tony, some MWF, TGQ soaps, alum, aftershaves....all on the list to buy. And more razors. Many more. So pretty! PRECIOUS!

I'm also experimenting with making my own bay rum; I plan to experiment until I get a really great blend, then buying some glucose-based fixatives to make it a long-lasting scent. Anyone who is interested (provided the product is good) I would be happy to share samples and recipes with.

The odyssey continues! I'M HOOKED!

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Had my first straight shave today. Had to use my Fusion to finish parts of the job, and it was....well, not the best shave. I think the razor is a little duller than would be ideal, and my technique is definitely questionable...

But fewer weepers than my normal shave, and a heck of a lot of fun! (If a little harsh around the edges...)

I'm awfully happy!

Today marks 1 year of exclusive straight-razor shaving. First round is on me, chaps!

Not bad, Benjamin, not bad at all

Congrats! Heres to many more!

It was cool to see that first post again, but with the Moderator badge next to it..! I did a double take when I first saw that Lol!

Congratulations Benjamin!

I bet your shaves are way better today!