Thread: Tried first str8 shave, razor stuck in hair

Hi All,

I've been shaving with a DE razor for ~4 years now and just took a crack at the straight razor world. After going through my normal DE razor beard prep, shower -Proroso-apply lather with brush. The straight razor was very difficult to pull down my side burns. I had only one days growth but I have a pretty heavy beard but I was shocked how the razor would barely move down my face. It seemed like my skin wasn't wet enough. After this didn't go so well I went back to my DE razor and shaved pretty nicely.

Does this sound like a razor that's not sharp enough? Or do I need to use oil (which I hear isn't great for the brush but could be wrong)?

Any advice?

Thanks.

what is it and where did your purchase it? Not all brands are good, and not all vendors sell their razors shave ready.

It's possible that it's a technique issue though, I would have thought even a blunt razor would run over your skin it just wouldn't cut much hair. Are you using a 30 degree angle and no more pressure than the weight of the razor provides?

Will your razor cut your arm hair?

It sounds like you have a dull razor.

What type is it and when did you last have it professionally honed?

If you bought it from a brick and mortar or even online, unless it was from here, chances are it is not shave ready.

Get it sharp first worry about prep later.

I got the razor from Craigslist. The razor doesn't have a name but on the tang it says, "Solingen Germany". I went by the Art of Shaving store the other day and my razor seemed as sharp as the one they had in the store. I am able to shave my arm hair.

I don't think I put any pressure on it, certainly not as much as the DE razor provides.

Since I don't really know what shave ready really feels like, where can I get someone to hone it that will truly make it shave ready?

It's unlikely to be shave ready. If it felt on a par with one at AOS, well, there's aren't shave ready either AFAIK.
Can you post a photo? Many worthless pakistani razors are marked solingen, the devious buggers!
Look here for a honemiester. Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

I'm fairly certain that despite their claims, the razors from art of shaving are not shave ready.

Either way, send it off to someone for honing. There are several guys on here, as well as the founder, who are proficient honers.

The razor I bought is on top in the middle. I can get a better picture tonight.

I'll contact a honester for some sharpening.

First, I'd send it to one of the honemeisters. Second, it's a technique thing. Don't worry, it'll get better over time.

I'll send it to a honemeister and go from there.

Thanks for the help!

Originally Posted by Oren

I got the razor from Craigslist. The razor doesn't have a name but on the tang it says, "Solingen Germany". I went by the Art of Shaving store the other day and my razor seemed as sharp as the one they had in the store. I am able to shave my arm hair.

I don't think I put any pressure on it, certainly not as much as the DE razor provides.

Since I don't really know what shave ready really feels like, where can I get someone to hone it that will truly make it shave ready?

I think you are doing the right thing by sending it off to be honed. One, they will sharpen it for you and two, they can tell you if it is a decent razor or not. The Art of Shaving is not a great place to compare. The razors they have are "factory" sharp meaning they are not shave ready. Good luck and enjoy shaving with it when you get it back. With good technique, you'll be surprised how much you will love that straight shave!