Thread: new to straight blade razor

i guys, I'm very new to straight razor blade and this forum. I bought a dovo Solingen today and I tried it. I had very hard time even if I was going out of the shower, my beard (was a bit long) has strong hairs so I only did the upper part of my face with only 2 small cuts .

The things is I was cleaning off the gel I used on a wash clothe. I notice afterward there was two small parts cut on the washing clothe cause I was wiping the razor blade along its length (is it clear?) but entirely laid down on the clothe (though I slightly cut it in two small area).

My question is do you think I dulled the blade a bit? I've read after to avoid touching the blade edge with anything?!? Cause I didn't succeed to shave half of my face though I should put a very hot water in my face before. I recently realize I had to use the blade at about 30 degrees. I used it flush on my face cause I was a bit scared.


As you can see, I'm totally ignorant about straight razor blades... :blushing:


... thanks for indulging me.

first welcome to srp and teh art ot straight razor shaving.

i don't think you have dulled the edge because a towel isn't that hard and if you strop the leather is a lot hard.
a good point to start is the wiki and the FAQ this should solve a lot of you're questions.

if there are any other questions feel free to post or pm

regards
Stijn

Welcome!

It sounds like you have started making a foray into the world of straight razor shaving, which is great! Make sure you read the Wiki links in my sig line below as they will be very helpful.

I dont think you'll have dulled the razor by slicing a washcloth. After all, the razor has to cut through your hairs, which are tougher, without dulling so you should be fine!

In the Wiki you'll see an article on shaving with a straight and you do need to hold the razor at an angle off the skin to get the best shave. The technique will come with time, but the best thing to do is make confident strokes with the razor. When I was learning, most of the nicks I got were from putting the razor to my skin but not making the pass. Bam, instant cut..!

Have a look at the shaving videos in the videos section for some good technique tips as well.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Welcome to SRP!

My first question would be to ask where you got your razor from and if it was sharpened appropriately first.

Second, let us know what other shaving gear you have, like a brush, strop, or anything else.

Otherwise +1 on other advice to check out our FAQ and the ever-growing SRP wiki.

Welcome to SRP. Hard to say whether you dulled it wiping. It has to be done and I prefer a kleenex tissue for the task. I always strop 20 on leather as well to get any micro gunk out of the bevel. Following that I wipe the blade with a silicone gun clothe and store in a dry environment.

First, Welcome!

+1 to the advice already given.

I don't think you would have done any damage to the razor with your wash cloth either, they are pretty soft.

As for the shave, like has been said, use confident strokes, they don't have to be long, in fact, it is better if they are short strokes. As you become more confident, you can use the longer strokes. And use the angle, if you use the angle of the blade, your shave will be much closer.

Water temperature. There is a controversial topic around this place. some guys swear hot water makes the hair softer and easier to cut, whereas others say cold water tightens the face and makes the shave closer. So, play around, see which you prefer and run with it. Figuratively speaking of course, never run with your razor.

and keep us posted.

Ok, as I maybe said in another thread I went to the barber shop for a quick lesson. He tried my blade, right away he saw it wasn't sharped enough.

I stropped it few time. Again I had a hard time to shave my beard BUT I did much more than the 3 first shaving with the straight razor blade. Still it wasn't sharp enough. Now I'm thinking I'm gonna strop the blade only with the rough side of the strop side like 3 sessions of stropping (40 time) then I'm gonna used the lather side for the last time cause I think my blade is dangerous right now.


... and yes I cut my self few spots but very small cuts.


What do you think folks?


Btw I saw Jockeys videos (how to shave...) on youtube, he s simply amazing!