Newbie and Honing

Ok, some more update. I worked on the rolling X. It's not too bad since the smile is not too big. Also, I just watch the pool of water and when it doesn't bead up right, I adjust.

After a sharpen, I could shave some arm hair again. However, it just pulls about 1 out of 10. Many hairs just fall over. So, I stropped (getting better) and then the arm hairs just plink right off one by one.

The second shave went much better and closer. It's not the best, but it is similar than my electric razor when the blade is new and that is good enough for me...for now. My right jaw is really close and easy. That tells me the problem is just in shaving itself and that I just need to practice.

Here is what I am learning.

- Don't try to shave your whole face right away. Just shave what feels natural.
- Hold the blade a little loose.
- Stropping is very important.
- Beard preparation and shaving itself is very important.
- Flatten your stones and round the edges.
...

Steve

BTW, shave 3 and improvement seen. No honing anymore, just getting better with stropping and shaving. I can do about 80% of my face WTG, some XTG, and a bit ATG. I just make small additions and stop when I feel uncomfortable with the strange yoga position my arm is in.

Thanks again. Everyone's advice helped.

NOTE: Chinese 12k on the way.

You may want to get an Extra, Extra Fine Diamond Stone 8K to get the extra sharpness you are striving for.

Pabster

You're doing great ! It will take time to develop your shaving technique . I've been straight shaving for more than 2 years , and I'm still tweaking my technique . Beware of overconfidence , and pay close attention to what you're doing with the razor or it might bite you ;) .