Perfecting Technique

I've been reading and researching straight razors for the past two years. I've read hundreds of articles and hundreds of forums on this awesome website. I decided to go ahead and buy one for myself at Christmas. I bought a brand new Dovo with everything else I need (i.e. strop, soap, brush, etc.).

I've used the straight razor about a dozen times and am still having some trouble. Can't get that "perfect shave", difficulty on deciding on how to hold the blade, some skin irritation (not razor burn, just red splotches), etc.

Difficulty getting a smooth shave is mainly around my chin.

I know that this is an art that I am learning, and I am being patient because I love it. But any advice or direction towards previous forums would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to SRP. Patience is a real virtue here. It will come in time. I am sure you have already, but be sure to read and re-read the info in the "wiki" section. It has links for different ways to hold the razor, prep, etc. If a grip does not feel comfortable then don't try to shave with it. The contours of the chin and throat are more difficult to master, but again, it will come in time. I am certain other more experienced members will chime in soon with some more helpful advice. Best of luck and keep us posted.

The best advice I could give you is to keep things simple. I would read the Barber's Manual in the Archive section, near the Wiki (I think) and make sure I was compliant with everything in there. I use the word compliant with no loss for its meaning. Don't get all hyped up about "Why this?" and "Why that?" . . . focus on just doing things correctly or why you may not be.

If you want to get complicated read Razor Central for a bit. Make sure you are, again, in compliance.

Then, come back to threads and posts, which have different view points.

I read hundreds of posts a day sometimes and I recognize that many of them seem to contradict each other or seem to agree with each other. Many of them really just provide differing views on the same ideas. Differeing views though, in and out of context, can really put a guy into a spin.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...t_-_Honing.pdf

http://www.en.nassrasur.com/razorcentral/index.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...php/Help_Files

Just keep at it. I've only been using a straight a few months. I'm not there. The journey getting there is fun, so I will keep on the ride. Recently, like a shave or two ago, I was struggling with my chin area (as always, scars to prove it).
For whatever reason I was shaving with the back part of the blade (closest to the hinge/pin that attaches to the scales). Previously I'd used the opposite end or middle of the blade. For whatever reason the back part sucks. Sorry I have no visual aids and lack proper terms.

When I do my chin and neck, I find the razor can easily take the wrong angle. The shape of the face, the scales getting in the way... All of this just makes that a tough area to learn. Sometimes I miss a spot of stubble - sometimes I'll get BBS at the cost of a few blood spots. If the rest of your shave is going well, just be patient, you're one your way.

Another member said someplace, "It's better to have a little stubble than a little irritation." Maybe that's some consolation... :shrug:

:gl:

Lol be PATIENT! There is quite a learning curve. I will say the strangest thing is going on with me. If I only shave WTG sometimes I get ingrowns and leftover stubble on my chin. If I go ATG, problem solved.

I AM NOT SUGGESTING YOU GO ATG. I am saying that eventually you will learn the different techniques and find what works for you. Just take it a step at a time.

Welcome to the site and to the art of straight razor shaving. It's hard to get a good feel for an activity like this just by reading. My advice if you haven't already, is to watch Lynn's video and other videos on U-Tube. Pay close attention to what you're doing in comparison with what you've watched. Good luck and above all, perfect the art of patience.

So how exactly do you shave your chin?

I have a couple of pieces of advice. 1, the amount of energy and effort you use in your first few shaves is more than enough - so as long as you understand the basic strokes the way to shaving is more about withdrawing unnecessary effort and energy. So when you have your next shave instead of thinking 'what should I do?' - try to think 'what should I not do?'. A good mental approach is always a good start.

Next, remember not to expect to remove all hair with each pass. Aim for reducing the amount of hair. With that said, the direction of your first pass will affect your second and third - so think it through and then decide which direction you'll do in each pass and then stick with it for a few days. Then when you have more information, i.e. 'that feels like crap', you can do something different. After doing this procedure a few times you'll know which ones work for you and are easiest.

Finally, preparation, as they all say, is really important. As someone who shaves with cold water and often without a shower before I can tell you you need every trick in the book to make it work. However, fresh out of the shower with a sharp razor and good lather and the whiskers seem to voluntarily fall off.

I like this guide as it has some good pics of shaving strokes, maybe this will give you a few ideas,

-Chief

http://www.shavemyface.com/downloads...azor-Shave.pdf

Typically, it boils down to angles/technique and pressure. Remember that on the chin, there is a natural tendency to open up the angle or flatten out the blade. The hand for some reason just automatically does this. It is very important to watch for this and make sure the angle of the razor goes back to 30 degrees or less. Considering all the different angles of the chin based on it's different shapes, try to map out in your mind if possible the different cutting strokes you will need there or use your index finger to try to help determine these strokes and then give the chin a try, a little at a time. One day just under the lip. One day just the sides of the chin. One day the knob of the chin itself. When you can start putting it all together and it is a little easier for you, then you can experiment with cross strokes if you need them. I find that short little strokes followed by longer clean up strokes work best for me.

Have fun,

Lynn

Thanks for all the great advice! I'm getting faster and more efficient with every shave. The chin is definitely the most difficult, but I'm getting a much closer shave now.