Thread: my first shave with my Venus straigh razor not so great, Help?

Leiroy,

I couldn't agree more with Stubear...You purchased a str8 razor that is, for all practical purposes, useless for str8 razor shaving. Chalk it up to experience, regroup and then consider purchasing an entry level Dovo, Boker, Thiers-Issard, or a low cost vintage str8 razor that is listed as "good" or "excellent" from the SRP "Classifieds."

Whatever razor you do eventually purchase to replace your Venus, though, make certain that it is professionally honed before you shave with it.

Hello, Leiroy:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

My friends Stubear and Jhenry make excellent points. Retire the Venus and give yourself a fresh start with quality tools and products.

The rest includes studying the tutorials and the informational material in the Wiki, acquiring yourself a new getup and proceeding to shave. Please keep us informed.

Regards,
Obie

Sorry man I know it sucks but that razor isn't capable of a decent shave. It just isn't something you can "get by with".

Especially as a newbie you need decent tools, this goes for everything not just shaving. Decent tools allow you to develop proper technique because they are capable of perfection in their task. Cheap tools aren't.

Once you are very skilled you can "get by" with a cheap tool because your skill can somewhat make up for its lack of quality but you still won't ever get erfect results if the tool just isn't good enough. Some aren't even useable.

Welcome to SRP,

I have no experience with the Venus razor, but the gentlemen that have responded are to be trusted in their assessments.

Could you please post what your shaving prep is as well. Even a really good/sharp razor can pull if you have not prepared your whiskers properly.

I read that a man's dry whisker can have the shear strength of a piece of copper wire of the same diameter. Water soaked into the whisker softens it to a requisite shear strength.

I have not run any tests myself to validate the information above, but assuming it is true, that explains why beard preparation is so important.

If you are looking for a new razor, try the Classifieds here or look for a Dovo Best Quality to start. This is a common razor and a common first razor. Just look at the adds here and you will find one. But by all means, as a begginer, do not get one that is not sold shave ready.

Best of luck to you.

David