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I have been shaving with a SE just on the cheeks, but I just can't seem to get the correct angle. I have been making about 50-60 passes on my strop before every shave.(Now I know I shouldn't have bought the best strop for my first one)
It always feels no matter the angle, like the SE is pulling and tugging at the whisker. It never feels like a smooth pass.
Any advice for the newbie?
Where did you buy that razor? Did you order it pre-honed? See also this FAQ entry: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki.
Yes it was shave ready Dovo Prima Klang from SRD.
Well, the first step should be to contact the vendor. Since the razor was honed by Lynn, it should be sufficiently shave ready. If it was acquired recently, it comes with free re-honing, anyhow. Have you spoken to the guys at SRD, yet? If not, I think you should do.
That said, the Prima Klang was an interesting choice for a beginner. I would consider it one of the more difficult razors because of its high amount of flex.
As an aside, did you shave with the razor before stropping it? Most beginners have a penchant to dull their razors while stropping. Not to say that this is necessarily the case, but it happens a lot.
Another potential problem area is face preparation. No matter how sharp the razor, an improper preparation will make a good shave nigh impossible. Thin or dry lather being the ususal suspects. You have read the beginners guide, and the relevant articles in the Wiki, I presume?
Regards,
Robin
Yes, actually I sent back the razor to Lynn to check and rehone it after the initial 3/4 shaves. Nothing had changed for me.
Yes, I did try shaving when I got it back the 2nd time before I attempted stropping the SE. Same thing pulling and tugging.
The Prima Klang is what SRD suggested I buy. Also, I use Trumpers shaving soap after a hot shower.
Any suggestions?
Well, you can take shave readiness out of the equation completely then. As suggested above, I would start looking at the lather. You might also try either of two things: apply a hot towel before shaving, or applying some olive oil (or a pre shave, if you have one). If you still feel tugging, have somebody check your keeping the correct angle while shaving. 30° can be less than one thinks. Either way, I would go through Category:Straight Razor Shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki.
Very nice razor, by the way. I used to have one.
I have did the oil, hot towels, changed the angle under supervision and read everything on Wiki etc.
Do you think I should sell the razor?
In your opinion what is the best SE for a beginner?
I would give it time, and I would definitely not sell the razor. It is a very good razor, and basically fits what the experienced users have identified as a good starter razor: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki. Go slowly, use as little pressure as possible, and keep going. Your face will require some time to get used to being shaved with a straight razor.
Well, lets look at this logically. First you know the razor is sharp. Second you know it is a quality razor. Third you have done the pre shave prep. So what does that leave?
There is something you are doing or not doing that is causing the result you are getting. Skin stretching? The amount of pressure you are using? The type of strokes you are doing?