another noob with a question

hi

first post whooo

thinking about starting to learn the fine art of straight razor shaving but have a question to ask before i start my journy.

when i shave normally no matter no new the razor is or what make etc it is every shave feels like im going at my face with a cheese grater. lots of pulling etc etc.

would using a straight razor help reduce this?

thanks a bunch folks

Dave

To be honest, At first a straight razor might actually be worse... But that's because you won't know the technique off the bat -most likely-.

However, if you stick with it, learn proper stropping, and get a legitimately shave ready razor, once you get the technique down, the shaves should be considerably better... all my razors are shave ready, and I still get a little tugging (granted, I've only been at this for 6 months or so...) which may be because of my whisker tenacity, or may just be from technique... but it's FAAAR less than a cartridge gives me, and much less irritation.

I agree. The first month will likely be worse than anything, but should get considerably better even after the first two weeks. By the fourth month, you'll be coasting away in pleasant shaves.

Dave,

Welcome to SRP and congratulations on your first post.

The wisdom contained in the previous posts is well worth listening to. However, I wonder...How do you prep your beard before you shave? Do you attempt to soften it in someway--hot shower, hot towel, hair conditioner, a pre-shave cream--or do you simply splash some water on your face, apply some shaving cream and begin shaving? If you're not already prepping your face, try it with your current razor and let us know how things go.

Any of the preceding steps to prepare your beard and face for shaving may somewhat reduce the discomfort you are currently experiencing when you shave.

Take care...

thanks 1 and all for the warm welcome. as for your question i only ever shave after a shower n i have that quite hot and the a full covering of shaving cream/foam.

i think im gna giv it a go n try n find maself a nice shave ready razor and read up on here for he other bits n bobs worth buying.

Dave

Like the others have said, the shaves will be better than any you have had, but it takes a while to get there and trying to rush the learning curve will end badly, imo. Just relax, and take it as it comes.

Look through the wiki up top, and check out Cold water shave is the best & worst ever - Straight Razor Place Forums

Try a cold water shave with your current method and see if it helps.

Also look and see if any members are in your area. Nothing helps like having someone who can show you whats what in this endevor.

Hi Dave and welcome to SRP,

Everyone responding here is right on the money. If you don't modify your immediate expectations, this will be nothing but dissapointing to you to begin with. Read some of the recent and past Beginner posts and you will see what we mean.

Now, having said that, I would suggest you approach this from an artistic and philosophical stand point. Almost like a martial art or learning to play a musical instrument. There is no doubt that you will suck at this to begin with, but your perseverance will be very reavealing relative to your character. Do you just want a great shave, or do you want to master a difficult method of getting one?

Take your time, be patient and ask the people here lots of questions. This is one of the most generous groups of people with information you will ever find. Nobody cares about being the guy who gets the best shave, they care about reviving and propogating an almost lost art.

So,
short term = stinks
long term = exceptional
longer term = self-improvement.:)

David

thank 1 and all. upon posting the original question i didn't mean to sound as if results would be instant i was just trying to see if others had the same experiance then learnt the art and it became much better for them.

its also 1 of those things that has facinated me for a long time. since i started shaving nearly as to how it all works. that coupled with my dad always going for a proper shave when i was only little and saying it was the best.

have read through the wiki and other bits and pieces on here and am now ready to start shopping i think.

and don't worry there will be many more questions to follow as the confusion and intrest get greater.

David