What the heck....6 week slump?

Ok, been shaving for last couple of months. All was good, save a few scars. Lately it seems my razors are catching on my beard hair, pulling and tugging, especially at chin area, and on my neck (which was one of my good areas) I strop after and again bf each shave, and average 2-3 days growth. Both razors ( Livi regrind and Iwasaki) slice arm hair with the flick of the lightest touch. What is going on? Figured it would get easier as my beard got used to the str8, but it seems like it's the opposite??

It sounds as if your razors need a slight tune up from a HoneMaster.

Sounds about right....break out the crox and give it half a dozen laps and that should freshen your blades right back up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by red96ta

Sounds about right....break out the crox and give it half a dozen laps and that should freshen your blades right back up.

---

+1 on JohnnyCakeDC and Red96ta. In some posts you'll see people say they get 6-12 months before a honing is needed. But don't let that fool you into thinking that applies to everyone...

Depending on your stropping technique, shave technique, the steel your blades are made of, and even your facial hair, you may need at the very least a touch up honing as frequently as every 4-6 weeks. (FWIW, with my course, scrub-brush-heavy facial hair I'm lucky to get 4 weeks without need to refresh the blade on a bit of CrOx or a coticule with water.)

From what you describe, a couple of stropping laps on some CroX or diamond spray is probably in order to refresh the edge a bit. If that doesn't do the trick then a trip to the honemeister may be in order.

Test shave tomorrow. Ran it about 20 laps on the 12k Nippon stone tonite. My arms are closely shaven though...LOL. Guess I was being optimistic about the frequency for touch up. Of course arm hair is much different than facial hair...

Now is a good time to invest in a barbers hone!

Already have a set of 5,8 & 12k Naniwa's? Plus some AR soft stones from my Dad....

I second what Red96ta and JohnnyCakeDC said. Use the CrOx laps first...if you must, hone it or if no experience in that, better send it to an SRP member (Lynn, Glen, Max, etc..........).

Time to sharpen the tools!:)


Richard

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Now is a good time to invest in a barbers hone!

---

I'd agree with this. I've you've stuck with it for 6 weeks, you should invest in a hone. In the mean while, send your razor off to get rehoned by a pro and buy a cheep razor to practice with.

The 12k Naniwa is a great replacement for a barber hone. If 5 - 10 laps on the CrOx doesnt do it, then drop down to the 12k Naniwa and do 10 laps, then strop and test shave. If its still not there, try another 10, and only drop down to a lower grit if its still not back where it should be at that point.

My feeling on honing is that you should use the highest grit possible to get the job done, and only drop down to lower grits if you need to. That'll save metal and spine wear!

Thanks to all...I'll see what it is like this evening once some stubble grows back... :D