Thread: couple issues for new str8 shaver

Originally Posted by DanS

Or possibly the edge hit something when i set it down on the sink...

--Dan

That is the most likely cause, assuming you weren't aware of any other contact involving the edge and something hard. A towel is an unlikely suspect.

I would recommend sending it back for re-honing and asking Lynn or Don for some advice on an appropriate brush and soap/cream. They have some great stuff that isn't overly costly and would be glad to point you in the right direction. They could ship everything back to you in one package and you would be good to go.

Originally Posted by Bill S

That is the most likely cause, assuming you weren't aware of any other contact involving the edge and something hard. A towel is an unlikely suspect.

I would recommend sending it back for re-honing and asking Lynn or Don for some advice on an appropriate brush and soap/cream. They have some great stuff that isn't overly costly and would be glad to point you in the right direction. They could ship everything back to you in one package and you would be good to go.

SRD soaps are top notch!

Initially, I used Walmart shave soap, which I suspect is about the same quality as your CVS shave soap. I didn't find it as useless as you do. However, it did dry out more quickly than I would have liked. Until you upgrade, try lathering initially. Then, occasionally, dip your brush in warm water only, shake out a little of the excess water, then apply the watery brush to your face. (Who knows... you might be doing this already.)

When I lathered, if every time I went back to the face with the brush, it was with a fully lathered brush, the soap on my face got thicker and thicker, and even a little gummy. Try diluting with water occasionally, and you will like it better.

By the way, I have upgraded shave soap. But, even with higher quality soap, I find that applying water as above is needed.

After trying a few soaps, each an upgrade over the last, I finally realised that the quality of a soap is directly correlated to a) its price, or b) the workmanship that went into it. I figure that "custom/artisan" soaps are good and cheap because a real person made them and they thus can play with the mix and it doesn't really affect cost. With manufactured soaps its simply economics. If soap doesn't perform, you can't sell it for $20. If it does perform, you can. I feel bad recommending this but just cut to the chase and buy something from CarrieM or Mama Bear or TGQ (artisan soaps) or something expensive and manufactured. I just tried MWF and its great stuff.

I bought the same CVS soap and brush and still have them. I finally gave my cats the brush as they like rubbing themselves on it when I am shaving. As for the soap, I use it to wash my hands. Yes, they were worthless to me in performance, but at least I found a more meaningful use for them.

After that initial experience, I ordered Col. Conk Soaps and a great quality Badger Brush - and what a difference and I still have them. There are so many good choices, you just need to spend more to get them. My purchases get used on every shave and I am very happy with their performance. Step up your shaving tools and you will be a new man.

Bummer about your blade. Get it honed again. My first straight still has a tiny chip in it from when it touched the sink the wrong way. I can still shave with it and its hard to see if you don't know how to look for it. And it actually touched the sink a few more times without incident - duh! Finally my awareness kicked in and it doesn't happen anymore.

Welcome to straight shaving and keep up the effort. I love the BBS shaves I get every time I shave. Looking back, the learning curve was a fun adventure for me.

Good Luck!

Pabster

I bought an Edwin Jagger brush from bestgroomingtools.com

It cost me about $25 dollars, but it's way way better than the one from CVS that I started with. Its whatever grade of badger is kind of grey, I can never remember the grades...

Originally Posted by Pabster

After that initial experience, I ordered Col. Conk Soaps

I concur with the Col. Conk's soap. I believe it is still inexspensive for around $5 and it lathers great.

I am still very new to this, but it does get better. Take care.

Originally Posted by khaos

After trying a few soaps, each an upgrade over the last, I finally realised that the quality of a soap is directly correlated to a) its price,

Weird. Down here in the Netherlands, a popular brand is 'De Vergulde Hand' (The Gilded Hand), which sells solid, neutral soap in round plastic tubs. A 75gr tub sells for about 2 Euros, about 3 US Dollars.

It is a fine soap. Slightly prone to be too dry, but with experience it is possible to whip up a high-water content lather straight from the tub.

And a tub will last ages, even on a daily shave.

Mart