Thread: First two shaves, not so good.

Hey Jedi.

I am also having similar issues to you. I bought my str8 from Don and Lynn shave ready as well. Although they are the tops, as a rookie I could not help but wonder if the blade was truly shave ready. I had the same tugging and rough draw against my face. My first shave even resulted in a pretty horrible gash on my right cheek. You can read about my ordeal here and there are some great tips in this thread:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...e-shaving.html

But after sucking it up and reviewing the tips from posters here, I find that my technique is improving and the blade is PLENTY sharp.

My biggest improvements were the result of:

1- Adjusting my grip so any resistance or tugging causes the blade to FLEX in your fingers rather than dig in. (Thanks Jimmy!)

2- Shorter strokes. Not the lovely swipe from cheekbone to jawline, but shorter brisker strokes.

3- Good Prep work (I was doing this already).

4- Shave in increments. I can do Cheeks and Neck pretty well now. Still having issues with upper lip and chin, but am experimenting and finishing with a DE.

Following these few tidbits got me from almost cutting my face of to a pretty decent shave.