Thread: The Death of Mach3!

Originally Posted by MintyFresh

I just got my Rup setup in the mail, haven't had a chance to try it out, but it's a great set and Ken really takes care of you! Definitely the way to go for those of us brand new to SR shaving.

Looking forwarding to receiving mine and giving it a go. Just need to read up on shaving/stropping techniques!

Originally Posted by ziggy925

I hear a lot of good things about Ken and the Gold Dollar razor so I ordered one as a backup to my Dovo, and something to practice honing on. I already have the Filly strop, and I'm glad I got that one instead of an expensive strop to start.

IME the Gold Dollar is a hell of a deal considering it really does come shave ready. My second choice would have been the classifieds here, but I kinda like new.

It looked like a good deal to me. Just worried about buggering it up when stropping!

I do have quite a bit of experience using water stones to sharpen my kitchen knives. Although when i first started i managed to completely take the edge of my Zwilling-Henckels fillet knife. A expensive mistake, and not one i wish to make on anyhing going near my face! Im sure the theory is similar to knife sharpening albeit at different angles. Fingers crossed.

Hi All. After much anticipation, i finally receved my SR from Ken. Apparently there had been a problem with his supplier. As way of a apology, Ken has offered a lifetime free honing service for the Razor, which i feel is very generous. Anyway, I am approx 10 shaves in. I must admit, the first few shaves were a bit of a nightmare. Nicks and cuts aplenty, razor dragging and hopping on the skin. Looked like i had just returned from a POW camp! I felt i was doing everything correctly, creating a good lather, correct angles etc. but could not get anything like a decent shave. My attention then turned to the razor itself. Was it sharp enough? Had it been honed well? I did the hanging hair test and the razor cut through it with no problem at all. So it was back to the drawing board.

I decided to experiment with preparation. Made the lather a little wetter. Put hair conditioner on the stubble to soften it, which seemed to help and tried again. There was a slight improvement but still nowhere near as good as with my Mach 3. Then i revisited the SRPF and went through the Wiki, step by step and discovered the problem(s). It tuned out that i was holding the razor incorrectly and my 'correct' angles were a little off kilter. With this knowledge i had another go. Immediately i could feel the difference with the new grip. No hopping or dragging. The razor would flex a little if i was applying too much pressure, rather than just slicing though the skin as with my old grip. The wetter lather also helped the blade to glide rather than drag.

Im still taking it slowly, but have managed quite a few reasonable shaves and they are improving every shave. I can get the cheeks and neck bbs with three passes. I still struggle with the chin, under the chin and the upper lip, but i feel that with time and more experience this will sort itself out.

I suppose that there is some truth in the old adage, 'Learn to walk before you run'. Happy Shaving!

Originally Posted by Joe210

I suppose that there is some truth in the old adage, 'Learn to walk before you run'. Happy Shaving!

Couldn't have said it better myself. Take your time. It's not a race. And welcome to the right way of shaving. One little, itty bitty note: If you think you are going to be saving any money, you are dillusional! Saving landfills and the environment I can buy as an argument. But money, NO! You'll figure that out pretty quickly...

Originally Posted by dward

Couldn't have said it better myself. Take your time. It's not a race. And welcome to the right way of shaving. One little, itty bitty note: If you think you are going to be saving any money, you are dillusional! Saving landfills and the environment I can buy as an argument. But money, NO! You'll figure that out pretty quickly...

You only save money if you can avoid the RAD.........




Who am I kidding?

To the OP, glad to meet another newbie! I just started using the GD and Filly from Ken as well.

Here's to great shaves! Cheers!

Originally Posted by dward

Couldn't have said it better myself. Take your time. It's not a race. And welcome to the right way of shaving. One little, itty bitty note: If you think you are going to be saving any money, you are dillusional! Saving landfills and the environment I can buy as an argument. But money, NO! You'll figure that out pretty quickly...

Ha Ha! Your probably right about that. Already looking at some nice Dovo's and some honing stones

Originally Posted by setomlin

You only save money if you can avoid the RAD.........




Who am I kidding?

To the OP, glad to meet another newbie! I just started using the GD and Filly from Ken as well.

Here's to great shaves! Cheers!

Out of interest, and as a fellow newbie, how are you finding shaving with a SR?

Originally Posted by Joe210

Out of interest, and as a fellow newbie, how are you finding shaving with a SR?

I'm loving it. Not just the closeness and comfort of the shave, but the whole process of prepping my beard and the time and care taken for my face. I have somewhat sensitive skin and have had a lot of trouble with acne. This is already showing improvement thanks to the straight razor shave and the ritual that goes along with it.

Best shaves I have ever done. BBS like no others. Once you have developed your skills (technique and pressure) you will wonder why it took so long to do it.

Originally Posted by Joe210

I had seen them on ebay for much cheaper. The selling point for me is that it has been honed and sharpened by a pro and enthusiast. I didn't want to take the chance on ebay. Thanks for the comment though.

That's using your noggin and not just taking the cheapest way out. My only regret is I can push the thank this only once... Well done.