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  1. #1
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    Default Am I putting too much pressure on the blade?

    I have shaved 3 times now. I first posted that my lather was drying out but I think that there is more to it.

    How much pressure am I supposed to put on my face? I know with a DE you use only the weight of the razor, but what about a straight razor?

    After last nights shave my face was hot like I was blushing and it felt like a mild sunburn. Under my chin/throat area is very irritated. I still haven't figured out a way to hold the razor and shave below my jaw line on my right side, left is ok (I'm right handed).

    I feel like sometimes the blade is perpendicular to my skin and I'm just scraping then I remember to find my angle. Remember I'm a new guy

    Thanks

    Mark

  2. #2
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
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    Here is a wee bit o Glen logic

    If you're be asking about pressure on the blade then most likely you are putting a bit to much on there.... The blade should really just glide over the skin.... You would think you would learn this after a small amount of time but after 28 years of using straights I still have to remind myself to "Back off Jack" now and then...
    Last edited by gssixgun; 03-13-2009 at 01:14 PM.

  3. #3
    . Bill S's Avatar
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    I guess I'm on board with the "Glen Logic"..if you have to ask the question, you probably already know the answer. Look at it this way, you can't really use too little pressure, so just keep reminding yourself to keep lightening up on the blade until you find just the right amount. For me this has a lot to do with how sharp the edge of the razor is (less pressure for sharper).

    As far as the area around the right jaw line goes I think that more practice will be the best remedy for your problem. I'm right handed, as you are, and needed to get comfy with using the razor in my left hand before I really got control of my right jaw line. Using the blade inverted and shaving South to North is much easier for me if I use the hand opposite the side I am shaving. Using both hands is actually a lot easier than you might think. Just keep it simple at first, like shaving just the left side of your face with your left hand until you get the hang of it.

  4. #4
    I Bleed Slurry Disburden's Avatar
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    Definitely too much pressure I would say. You really need to remind yourself not to use pressure when using a straight. It's a lot different than a DE, which I have used also. A DE lets you know a lot more that you're using too much, a straight is a lot more subtle about it, until it's too late.

    Also sounds like the angle is off a bit. Make sure to keep an eye on the Wiki which has good pics of shaving angles under advanced shaving techniques.

  5. #5
    Senior Member singlewedge's Avatar
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    I have to say that I have been shaving with a str8 off and on for about a year now and the best advice and technique was demonstrated by JockeyS.

    JockeyS' vids are, IMHO, the Mantic of the Str8 community.

    The best advice I have found is on JimmyHAD sig. Hold the razor lightly enough that it flexes when there is too much pressure.

    I also agree with Glen.

  6. #6
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Don't feel like the Lone Ranger I too am a right handed shaver and I went through a period of feeling awkward attacking certain areas. With practice the razor began to feel like an extension of my fingers.

    As far as pressure goes, if you feel irritated following the shave then it could be too much pressure. Proper technique including prep, stretching the skin and blade angle is important in using a minimum of pressure and having the razor remove the stubble efficiently. Not falling into the trap of trying to get bbs with one pass is important too. I had a tendency to do that even though I knew better. Here is a little blurb on that.

    When a new straight shaver complains that his pre-honed razor is not sharp in many cases the problem is a lack of one or all of the above.

    OTOH, if the razor isn't truly shave ready and proper prep, stretching and blade angle are used the razor won't cut efficiently. Especially in the tougher areas such as the chin, jawline and around the windpipe.

    It will pull and the shaver will tend to use more pressure to overcome the lack of keenness. Been there and done all that. I watched a video of a guy Rustyblade
    shaving with a Japanese style straight and when his blade effortlessly glided through his chin whiskers as if it was a squeegee wiping a windshield I knew I didn't have a shave ready razor.

    Just food for thought. Assess your razor against your technique and you'll have to figure out if one or both is lacking. If it is the razor IME getting a honemiester to tune up a couple and using those as I learned to hone my own while improving my shaving techniques made all the difference.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  • #7
    Comrade in Arms Alraz's Avatar
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    I reiterate what I said here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...e-im-done.html

    The most important thing is to let the razor do its work. If you feel awkward trying to reach a spot, try switching hands or a different hold.

    Different ways to hold a straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki


    It is important to remember that one must have the correct angle for best result. Perhaps this diagram may help:

    Advanced shaving techniques for the straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

    And do not try to do too much the first few times, aim for comfort rather than closeness. As your technique develops so would the closeness. Do not worry, your shaves WILL improve.

    Al raz.

  • #8
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    +1 on Jockeys' vids. Also, it took my face more than a couple shaves just to get used to the new way of shaving. I had some bad burn until my face got used to it.

    As far as pressure is concerned, I think of it like this: I'm only using enough pressure to wipe off the lather. I sort of picture straight shaving as using the blade to wipe off the lather, and so that's all the pressure I put on it, i.e. little to none. Its kinda hard to describe, but I hope that helps.

  • #9
    Senior Member igitur55's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
    I watched a video of a guy Rustyblade
    shaving with a Japanese style straight and when his blade effortlessly glided through his chin whiskers as if it was a squeegee wiping a windshield I knew I didn't have a shave ready razor.
    Not to be flip, but what "whiskers"? It's a nice video (I love the razor), but it looks like he was already clean-shaven when he made it! Unless my poor old eyes are too dim ... .

  • #10
    Senior Member dward's Avatar
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    Pressure is one aspect of this. One carry over from golf for me is the grip on the scales. I have tried to keep in mind my hands don't have near the maneuverability and suppleness needed if I am gripping too tightly...

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