Thread: Disappointed With Results

Why have you chosen to use the straight?

For me, part of the pleasure of the straight razor shave is the learning.

Using a disposable is relatively mindless and quick. The DE is a step up, but still doesn't require the same level as the straight.

If I was sensible and just looking for a good shave, maybe I'd have stopped with the DE. But I'm not - and I like the challenge and the learning.

Using the straight requires constant attention and constant learning.
(I like that).

Hey - somehow I got BBS in that spot... now how did I do that!!??

I will practice for a while, but try and change one thing - and notice what difference it makes. Sometimes better, sometimes not.

And if I get a really good shave... well, that's a bonus!

Anyway, just a few thoughts - hope they help.

All the best with your journey - wherever it takes you!
Michael.

Originally Posted by FTG

For me, part of the pleasure of the straight razor shave is the learning.

Same here. I am not even worried about a BBS. I don't care if I don't get one for a year or more. I am just jazzed that I am shaving with a straight! Hell, if I leave a bit around the chin and someone notices it, it gives me a reason to talk about learning to shave with a real razor.

As, Allen said, three months isn't that long. If you can be bothered, stick at it and keep learning. It will get better. It took me six months before I felt I was stropping properly and then a year after that, I experienced another 'Road to damascus' moment when my edges came off the strop even better. Not saying that the stropping is the problem, just trying to point out the necessity of patience.

Originally Posted by ktkeith

Is this going to get better? I've read the Wiki many times, and try to follow its advice, but I still don't have a really reliable technique that leads to good shaves. How long did it take others to reliably produce a comfortable, BBS shave executed with skill? Is there some more advanced program I can follow to fine-tune my technique? Can I expect to really do better than my DE shaves, or is the straight razor just inherently not that much better in terms of closeness?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi,
I can get BBS, but I need to do a 3 pass shave (WTG/XTG/ATG).

How many passes are you doing?

-Chief

I never really did well with DE. Yes, I got ok results with my fatboy, but my Merkur slant would butcher my face without fail (Or I would butcher my face with the Merkur, whatever).

My first str8t shave was better then any DE shave I ever did. Maybe I never stuck with the DE shaving to learn good technique. Whatever.

My first year with the straight razor was disappointing, but I persisted. There is so much to learn about; not only shaving, but stropping and eventually honing. After the first year, the majority of shaves were better and more comfortable than any I used to get with the DE. I have never looked back since. It is an art I love to practice, too!

Good advice from all, and a useful perspective. Thanks very much for your input.

I'll give it more time and continue to work on technique. It's helpful to know that my experience isn't unusual.

Thanks again!

practice, practice, practice, do not give up. it will take time and you will enjoy it better than any type of shaving(at least most do)

good luck

Originally Posted by 59caddy

practice, practice, practice, do not give up. it will take time and you will enjoy it better than any type of shaving(at least most do)

good luck

+1
I have been straight shaving for about 2 years now. I usually shave daily with a straight and have found that I still have certain things pop up that gives me some problems. My biggest one was learning to take my time and not hurry.

I find this to be more of a learning journey rather than get it done and off I go. Between learning how to hone, strop and shave properly I figure I'll be at this for quite some years and I might never fully master this art.

Bruce

Originally Posted by Hammer

+1
I have been straight shaving for about 2 years now. I usually shave daily with a straight and have found that I still have certain things pop up that gives me some problems. My biggest one was learning to take my time and not hurry.

I find this to be more of a learning journey rather than get it done and off I go. Between learning how to hone, strop and shave properly I figure I'll be at this for quite some years and I might never fully master this art.

Bruce

+1 on your comments
i think most will soon find out that this is a relaxing shave(once they get the hang of it) i think of it as a gentlemen's shave. something to be enjoyed and savored. i make my own soaps and love to have different scents for different days. i would also tell anyone to try and make their own soaps as it is fairly easy and not that expensive. just another side of the shaving experience. it also goes without saying that most will want to learn how to hone their own straights. another enjoyable experience.
i am 50 now and just wish i had found this out 30 years ago.
any way that i can be of help, just pm me and ask away.