Thread: first shave...no good

Well, this morning I performed my first straight razor shave. I was expecting to be delighted with how easily the razor glided over the skin, leaving behind nothing but super-smoothness. But instead, I was somewhat disappointed. My new razor pulled the entire way down on both cheeks (WTG). I tried a bit near the chin but didn't have the gall to keep going and ended up finishing the shave with my mach3.

For those of you who have switched from safety razors, remember how it felt when it was getting time to change your blade? It didn't glide smoothly or cut well...it pulled. Well that's how the straight razor felt this morning. Pulling down my entire face and tearing (instead of shaving) the hair. It was horribly rough everywhere until I switched back to my m3, which allowed my to finish smooth & clean.

Now I know your first instinct is to tell me to sharpen/strop the razor. It must be dull, etc. BUT I purchased this blade not more than 1 week ago from hi_bud_gl and he said it was honed, stropped, and truly shave ready. Judging from the reputation he has on SRP, I am inclined to believe him.

Have I read the first shave wiki? Yes.
Have I watched videos of the straight razor shave? Yes.
Pulling my skin taught? Yes.

I use Proraso soap and an Omega boar's bristle brush. I know these are somewhat low quality compared to what some of you use, but I have used them for safety razor shaves and am able to work the soap into a nice foaming lather, that allows effortless gliding on my skin.

I'm trying to keep 15 degrees between the blade and the skin....What am I doing wrong?

First time shavers usually have issue with using the right angles which leads to pulling sensation. Another thing to consider, if I m reading your post right, you have never shaved with a straight before so you will have to give your face some time to get used to the blade.
Practice will improve your experience dramatically with time.

Sounds like my first shave.

if the razor truly is shave ready. then that leaves technique,
have a play you can`t expect to get it right first time, it took me a good week or so before i had my first "comfortable" shave and much longer to begin getting smooth.

try moving your angle out slightly for me its probbaly closer to 30 degrees that seems to work for my skin.

you are doing everything right except last sentenced.your angle .try make short strokes and until you will find right angle.if my memory not misteken your blade sharpened without tape. This gives me idea you should increase angle.try it and see what happens.

This sounds very much like my first shave. The first thing I can say is it will come in time, enjoy the journey and take pleasure in small wins (sometimes I'm just happy to have had the confidence to shave with a straight). The angle for me was key. Be careful in going to steep as the razor will dig in. Keep with it and remember it is less about the end result, and more about the journey. Enjoy yourself and most importantly have fun! You'll get there, I'm still a newbie and know exactly what you are going through. Believe me, it only gets better. It just takes time.

+1 to Obie

go through Obie's list.

-Also, beard types vary. A more coarse beard will defiantly give you a little more trouble.
-Short strokes. Don't try to clean your face with one swipe.
-Don't go over an area with no cream on it to many times
-learn sections at a time. Cheeks and sideburn area are an easy spot. Start there and increase your area as your skill increases.

When I started, I shaved only 3 times a week with a straight. I did this so my face can get used to a blade being dragged over it. I can now shave everyday with no problem.

Early days anjp: don't be disheartened. Every one of Obie's twelve points is a good one, especially the bit about getting rid of the clock. My guess is that everything will come right given practice and experimentation with your angle of attack. The payoff is well worth some perseverance.

anjp,

You've done your homework and read up on the stuff newbies are always advised to read, so there isn't much if anything I can add to what the sages have written other than one thing that may get me shot: not all shave ready razors are shave ready for faces other than that of the shave readier (honer/tester). I have purchased a few razors which were "shave ready", but didn't shave my face easily or smoothly. I've also purchased razors (NOS stock in original packaging) which have shaved like a dream. There are, of course, a lot of factors here, but if you are already a wet shaver, most of the prep issues are something with which you are familiar and use before shaving. So it may be that the edge may need some customizing for your face and whiskers.

Mind over mechanics: You threw your lawnmower away to cut grass with a scythe. You mind has to make up the unknown mechanics that it didn't know before, it does take practice there are a lot of factors involved I cant remember if anyone mentioned to keep you face lubricated other wise your blade has to go through that layer of dried soap. Just keep at it you'll be fine, soon you will notice the best shaves you've ever had.

I feel the same way that the blade doesn't cut like butter. I attribute that to my beard hair as being tougher than normal. I find more hair growth harder to shave, ie shaving every day is easier than every 3-4 days.

Like others said 30 degrees is the proper angle. You can also try washing your facial hair longer in the shower to soften it more.