Thread: Catchy tips

Ooooooh I pasted a few strops up and gave my razor a treat today! I tried yellow paste at first and my razor (As a guide) still wouldn`t reeeeally do the HHT super well. I then went to Red, Black and a final go on the leather. What a difference!! I`ve got a beautiful mirror finish on the bevel and the HHT test now works at the slightest touch as opposed to having to play the blade like a fiddle to make the hair catch. Nice
The true test is obviously the shave test so we`ll see.... That`s where my question comes in.... Now I`m fairly sure that razor is going to be a whole load better and not be so catchy, could you guys offer any general technique tips? I think I`ve been shaving at too low an angle so I`ll try and keep an eye on that. Sorry I`m not sure what I`m actually asking you here lol General...... tips on technique Yes...

Twenty two look in`s and no comments.... I HAVE asked a silly question haven`t I?! LOL Sorry I do get a little confused on my meds a bit sometimes and ramble lol What I`d like to ask about are some of the most suitable passes to get used to as a beginner. I`ve had a little trouble getting used to properly holding the razor, especially when doing the left side of my face. If I go scales to the back I don`t have enough control. If I go scales to the front, I can`t see what I`m doing very well. (Right hand) Should I be using the left hand to do that? Also, I`m using quite short strokes, moving downward and going over the same spot maybe twice as I go. So I suppose to be more precise, it`s advise and video links to do with properly holding the razor and what passes to best learn as a beginner I`m asking for. I just started to get a bit fiddly and I`d like something more concrete to stick to and practice until I get it right. Cheers guys ;D

As a beginner, I would stick exclusively with a WTG pass--though what exactly constitutes with the grain is a bit tricky, if your beard comes in at odd angles in places. You may want to try just doing one pass, north to south on both face and neck, and then touch up with whatever you used before, at least until your grip is comfortable.

As for the grip itself, I would suggest using both your left and right hands, though you may find that you use one slightly more than the other. I find personally that I do the right side of my face and neck as well as the entire center portion (lip, chin, and adam's apple) with my right hand, and just the left portion with my off-hand.

Hope that helps a bit. Best of luck.

Cheers Vulcan I suppose you just can`t get enoough shave videos at my stage in this can you...

Feebo,

Congrats. It sounds like you've got that razor scary sharp.

+1 on Vulcan500rider's advice, although I would recommend an XTG pass on your neck as well. Take it slow at first. As you gain confidence in your technique you will be able to not only perform WTG and XTG, but an ATG pass over some problem areas, such as your neck.

What the other members say is correct but may I add. When I started I did the (because I am right handed) the right side of my face (always WTG). If I went over the same place to often, I'd end up with razor rash. To compensate this, I'd do a couple of passes (whither good or bad) and then finish off with a DE, then just build up as your confidence grows.
Just go slowly, there's no need to rush things. Straight razor shaving takes time.
When it comes to holding the blade, start with a 30o angle, you will find in time you will adjust this to suit yourself. It's a bit like driving a car. Everybody learns the same way but not everybody drives the same way.
One of the members on here has some excellent videos. he goes under the name " Jockeys" and you can find them below
YouTube - Straight Shaving Tutorial v3.0 Part 1