Thread: HELP!!!!!!!!!

First, forgive me if there is a similar thread but I searched and none seemed to pose my questions.

Today I attempted my third SR shave and I still can't get the razor to glide or cut smoothly. Let me first list the starting details.

EQUIPMENT
Wosty hollow ground Pipe that Lynn just honed for me.(pic below)
3" Latigo/canvas strop from The Heirloom Razor Strop Company.
Institute Karite shave soap.
Omega Silver tip brush.

BLADE PREP
25 rounds on canvas side followed by 25 rounds on Latigo side.
While I might not be doing it perfect, I feel comfortable saying I'm doing
a good job.

SHAVE PREP
I shave right after a hot shower.
Steaming hot towel on face for 30 seconds.
Rich but not foamy lather that covers skin color completely.

SHAVE EXPERIENCE
The blade drags and catches from the very first stroke.
Sounds/feels like I was dragging the blade across 40 grit sandpaper.
Pretty sure blade angle is correct and tried light to moderate pressure.
Not one pass left a clean cut in wake, always some visible stubble.
While no nicks, skin is left red with burning sensation.
HAD TO GO BACK OVER WITH MY MACH 3 TO FIX IT UP!

Would really appreciate some advice!

First off, beautiful razor!

Second, I'm a newbie, so take my comments with a grain of salt... That said, I have recently found that if I focus on something I've read in JimmyHAD's signature line about keeping a very light grip on the razor and not using any pressure as I shave, my razor moves much more "smoothly" over my face. I've also found that when I get my razor too steep (e.g., closer to 90 degrees relative to my skin), then the razor wants to skip and jump rather than move through the hairs.

Hopefully I haven't done more damage than good with this bit of "advice," but I wish you much luck!

It's only to be expected really, and no reason to be downcast. Chances are it's a matter of finding the right angle and that's something which just comes with practice. There's an outside possibility that you've blunted the blade somewhat whilst stropping, but it doesn't sound very likely. Probably most people get off to this sort of start, and the thing is to just keep going till things come right, which will happen in due course. If the irritation is too bad for you to face a shave, don't. Skip a day, then have another go: doggedness does it.

Thanks LegalBeagle, got the Wosty in a flea market for thirty bucks, I understand it's a good razor.

I played around with both pressure and angle, even on the cheek it dragged and pulled. If I did not know better I would swear the blade is dull but it does feel sharper than before I sent it to Lynn so I have to assume it's shave ready.

When stropping I take about 2-3 seconds per round trip stroke....too slow maybe? I hold the strop pretty tight so it does not arc much with the strokes...is that good or bad?

WineGuyD,

First some advice about your stropping...Increase the number of laps from 25 to 50-55 on both the fabric and the leather (total 100-110) of your strop. Don't bear down on your strop, but let the razor's weight hold it on the strop. Second, leave that steaming hot towel on your face for 45-60 seconds. Perhaps even longer.

Finally, nobody should expect a BBS shave on the first pass, especially someone new to straight razor shaving. The goal in straight razor shaving, as with DE razor shaving is beard reduction with each pass. Along with your WTG pass with the razor, try an XTG pass with your razor too. You may not get to BBS smoothness, but you will be closer to achieving it. Later, as you gain in experience, try an ATG pass with the razor on certain areas of your beard, such as your neck.

I hope this helps.

To Arrowhead, I only use the straight razor on Sundays so that if I do some damage I'll look decent for work on Monday ;-) Right now my cheeks and chin are glowing red.

To jhenry, I'm trying to stick with the WTG shave until I feel I'm getting better results. I tried a few times to start an ATG pass and felt the blade start to dig in, envisioned severed arteries and a quick jaunt to the emergency room!

Could be a number of things, all laid out in the beginners guide.

Just out of curiosity, in what timeframe were you expecting to get decent shaves?

Regards,
Robin

Also, if you're trying to make one long stroke (like most people do with a disposable) try making several short, light strokes instead to cover the same area. Like a half-inch at a time.

I don't know--maybe this isn't an issue for you, but it was something I had to learn. Here's a link to the youtube video of a professional shave where I picked up on it:

YouTube - mantic59's Channel

(caution: if you peruse this youtube member's videos, take his--any anybody's--with a grain of salt; nobody has the gospel on str8 shaving b/c nobody's shaving the same face!)

And as to the angle: for me personally, when trying a new razor, I start out with the blade flat against my face like it's on the strop and kick it out a couple degrees at a time until I find the right angle.

Stick with it! I didn't start getting good shaves with minimal gore until I rid the bathroom of all multi-blade disposables and forced myself to practice daily.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Could be a number of things, all laid out in the beginners guide.

Just out of curiosity, in what timeframe were you expecting to get decent shaves?

Regards,
Robin

No expectation on time frame for overall good shave, just concerned that I can't even get one good clean cheek stroke. Blade really feels dull against whiskers despite knowledge that it was honed by the best. I'm going to review my stropping technique against posted videos and see if I'm doing something wrong because I really think I'm holding the blade properly.

Originally Posted by WineGuyD

Right now my cheeks and chin are glowing red.

It sound like you are using way too much pressure on the blade and that you angles aren't quite there.

Read this stcky by Lynn:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ead-first.html