Hello and Questions

I have four straight shaves under my belt now and I'm hooked. I have the Filly strop in the mail, and I'm already looking at other razors to buy. I have a 9/16 razor that is probably either a 1/4 grind (if that means almost a wedge, or would that be 3/4?). Is that easier to learn on compared to a hollow ground razor?

Also, what is the secret to getting a close shave with only WTG passes? I tried going XTG and ATG and I'm just not ready for those passes-- lots of tugging and the resulting bloodbath. So I'm going to stick with only WTG passes. However, I can't seem to get a presentable shave with only WTG. I'm cursed with hair that lies very flat against my face. I've seen videos of people only doing 1 WTG pass, and they seem to look very clean-shaven. What's the secret? Steeper angle? Scythining? Sharper blade?

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Originally Posted by KyleHyde

I have four straight shaves under my belt now and I'm hooked. I have the Filly strop in the mail, and I'm already looking at other razors to buy. I have a 9/16 razor that is probably either a 1/4 grind (if that means almost a wedge, or would that be 3/4?). Is that easier to learn on compared to a hollow ground razor?

Also, what is the secret to getting a close shave with only WTG passes? I tried going XTG and ATG and I'm just not ready for those passes-- lots of tugging and the resulting bloodbath. So I'm going to stick with only WTG passes. However, I can't seem to get a presentable shave with only WTG. I'm cursed with hair that lies very flat against my face. I've seen videos of people only doing 1 WTG pass, and they seem to look very clean-shaven. What's the secret? Steeper angle? Scythining? Sharper blade?

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3/4 is more hollow than 1/4. Not noticeable easier or difficult, the feeling of stiffer blade is just a bit different, that's all.

Secret? 'Tis no secret: Prep, technique, razor. Try clearing the area with WTG passes as well as you can (don't use too many WTG passes though) and finish with your previous method of shaving.

If you have such hair, pay extra care to skin stretching.

Those people who you see on the net usually have substantially more than 4 shaves under their belt. And on their face too ;).

For the moment, try to tune in on the angle and pressure and proceed to xtg and atg when you build confidence. Be careful of scything and other advanced techniques until you feel confident to do a full 3-pass on your face with routine. Those techniques have potential to cut you pretty bad unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Welcome - read the beginner's guide. Especially Lynn's first shave article is what you should re-read now. And for future reference, don't pay that much attention to HHT, it's the shave test that counts.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...eginners_Guide

I know those people have far more experience. I'm just curious about what they "learned" that allows one WTG pass shaves. Is it being able to shave at steeper angles?

Dunno. You'd have to ask them directly... Might I ask who you know that uses only one pass? I'm under the impression that multiple passes are quite common here - I use usually at least two.

However, I'd wager they learned just how anyone else - practicing a lot and tweaking their technique. Don't underestimate how much the shave improves with correct technique, even if you think you are using the correct angle and pressure now. In addition to better base technique, they also can use those advanced techniques.

Do note also that the videos have very limited picture quality compared to real life. I think all the videos I've seen have encompassed multiple passes.

Hey Kyle! I'm too much of a newbie to answer your technique question, but here's what I found in my experience with more/less hollow blades.

1/4 hollow is indeed closer to a wedge. I have one razor that's 1/4 hollow, and one that's full hollow.

I think the 1/4 hollow is easier to start with, for 2 reasons.

1. It handles newbie stropping better. The thicker, stronger blade isn't as sensitive to poor stopping technique in my experience.

2. It's heavier. For an experienced shaver, either heavier or lighter blades have benefits, but the benefit of a lighter blade is that it's more controllable. However, for a newbie, this translates into "easier to cut yourself with inconsistent shaving technique."

I don't think it's a drastic difference, and I think you'd be fine with either one. But I do find the less hollow blades easier. When I'm trying out a new technique, I always try it with my 1/4 hollow first.

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Originally Posted by KyleHyde

....what is the secret....

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Practice, practice and more practice. There is a learning curve to using the straight razor.

Also read the Wiki.

Welcome to the forum, and I agree with all the comments posted. Just keep practicing. There is a learning curve.
If WTG is all you feel comfortable doing now, than that's fine. Pick up a DE if you like a closer shave. It's not really cheating. The ATG and XTG passes are what helps many guys get BBS. If some are able to do it with a single pass, well, that's a feat...
Definitely, not the norm. Straight razor shaving is composed of various passes to attack the hair from all angles, Everyone's face is different...

Prep will help a long way with your shave.
Also, the skin stretching. The stretching is what allows you to get a close shave, and also where pre shave oil helps. Even Lather building is a skill. Really take the time to read the WIKI. It's full of helpful and useful info, once you've read it, and are actually shaving, it starts to click and make sense....If you have any questions, feel free to pm me....

I do seem to recall a few posts stating a great shave with a single pass wtg. There are more that say simply: one pass.

Different growth patterns on the face "may" have a "best" direction of approach. You may have areas that will not get close without wtg or x or A. So you use that first rather than 1, 2, 3 series of directional passes.

A few times I have got my edge so good that I am fooled into believeing I have mastered the process, only to find the next day or two later that all is back to normal; pretty good, better than other methods I've tried but no magic.

When I first started I followed the advices best I could. Nervous starts learning to make the cuts, prep, prep and more prep. Then one day I nailed my hone/strop work and it seemed there was nothing to it. Sophisticated schemes to make just the right pass, diligent preparation of the beard are little plus 1's. Having the right razor with a right edge makes everything else easier.

First thing to do is make your blade sharper, and when you can try different ones