Thread: What have I gotten myself into?

Thanks Jimmy. I know I've still got a lot to learn. But this raises a question. What do we mean when we say hair popping off the forearm? I can clear a path on my forearm without effort, but the hairs don't spring up into the air.

Originally Posted by mbrossar

Thanks Jimmy. I know I've still got a lot to learn. But this raises a question. What do we mean when we say hair popping off the forearm? I can clear a path on my forearm without effort, but the hairs don't spring up into the air.

By hair popping I mean that with the razor's edge brushing against the hair on the forearm or leg, but not touching the skin, it cuts the hair. I used to do this a lot to test razors but got tired of people (customers) wondering if I had some sort of mange so I don't do it much anymore.

Okay, that's telling. I can't get my hair to pop. Since it seems to do pretty well with a thumb pad and thumb nail test, is it safe to assume the hone is okay and that the problem is in my stropping technique or do I need to approach the seller about its "shave readiness"?

Originally Posted by mbrossar

Okay, that's telling. I can't get my hair to pop. Since it seems to do pretty well with a thumb pad and thumb nail test, is it safe to assume the hone is okay and that the problem is in my stropping technique or do I need to approach the seller about its "shave readiness"?

Well once you did that thumb nail thing it may have dulled it some. Probably did IMO. So if I was the seller I wouldn't feel obligated. to hone it again at no charge but you could ask him or send it to someone else who hones for other people. BTW, just because it won't 'pop' hair doesn't mean it won't shave if the TPT feels good. Will it shave hair on you arm easily touching the skin ? If it won't do that it sure won't shave your face.

Originally Posted by mbrossar

Okay, that's telling. I can't get my hair to pop. Since it seems to do pretty well with a thumb pad and thumb nail test, is it safe to assume the hone is okay and that the problem is in my stropping technique or do I need to approach the seller about its "shave readiness"?

I wouldn't automatically assume it's the razor.... if you're new to SR shaving you will not know enough about what "shave ready" means to make that assessment.

Chances are you bunged the edge doing the TNT or with sloppy stropping/shaving technique. That's not a criticism of you, it's just part of the learning curve, and be sure that you're in good company. Just keeping reading old posts and the wiki, keep practicing and you'll get it eventually.

I'm not sure if you said you are or not but don't shave ATG yet. I've been at this a while and still don't usually. Don't bother with it until you are very comfortable and confident. I had a hard time starting out too so try not to get too frustrated. Good luck

Thanks guys, but let me ask this another way. So after my TNT debaucle, does the razor need to be rehoned or is it possible to strop it back to sharp again? I've got a Fillie strop with some paste on the back, should I try stropping it on that for a few rounds? Any suggestions on what to try next? I know, kind of hard to diagnose over the internet.

Yes, I understand most if not all of this is attributable to me. I did the TNT, I'm certain my stropping is still sub-par. I'm just trying to figure out the best path forward. I also realize with my brief experience, I really can't tell what's shave ready. That's why I'm asking. I'm sure I'm not the first newb to muck up his gear like this. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Try shaving hair (touching the skin) on your forearm or calf. If the razor won't do that it needs to be honed IMO. You might improve it stropping as well. Give that a try and see what happens.