Just started out

Hi all

Started straight shaving a few days ago after a couple of years of using a vintage DE.

This forum and other shaving forums have been an incredible source of good information.

I really enjoyed my first three shaves even though it was much harder than I thought. My fourth shave was a shocker but no one to blame but myself.

My biggest problem is that I am really struggling to see what I am doing. I feel that once I can sort this out my blade angle and stroke will improve.

Despite the steep learning curve I am hooked already.

Looking forward to getting better.

Paul

Good for you. I have only been at it for less that 2 months. But I was hooked even just reading about it.

Viewing what your are doing is where switching razor hands comes into play. I started learning with both hands right away the first time I went at my face with the razor and realized I couldn't see a bloody thing and was liable to end up with a bloody face.

David

Congrats!

It sounds like you are off to a good start, and none of the problems you are having are anything new. We've all been there..!

As long as you are not getting irritation or massive razor burn, then its all good. A little burn is normal at the start as your face adjusts to the razor and you get your technique down, so no worries there.

It sounds like you are doing the right things, so just keep at it and you'll get there!

JUst remember the four elements of a great shave:

- A shave ready razor
- Good stropping
- Good lather and prep
- Technique

Nail all of these and you'll have it. :)

Good luck!

Welcome to SRP. I started out as a dominant hand shaver and later learned to use both. I had become so accustomed to shaving with my right hand that I returned to that even though I can use my left. With a bit of practice I found that I can see most of what I need to see and what I can't see I can feel.

For shaving with the dominant hand or with the other practicing with either a dull razor or one with the edge taped was very helpful for me. Practicing while watching TV or whatever. Not looking in the mirror but just manipulating the blade. Try it and you'll see what I mean. :gl:

Thanks for all the supportive and informative replies.

I think I have almost resolved my visibility issue and I can see what I am doing now.

However, I am struggling to get a smooth cutting action going. I feel like I am scraping the hair on my face rather than cutting through it.

The blade is sharp so I don't believe that is the issue.

I have been adjusting the angle of my razor but its not making a great difference.

I don't have a confident stroke yet. Could this be my problem or is there other factors that could contribute?

Appreciate any advice.

I think prep has a lot to do with it, but you said it when you talked about a confident stroke. You want to be light but you don't want to be hesitant. IMHO it's better to use several light passes than try to get a perfect stroke that cuts everything in one pass. Soon, you'll get the angle and pressure just right so one WTG pass will feel pretty good to you and do a good job.