Thread: Razor Dulling Mid Shave

I recently started shaving with a real straight razor after using a replaceable blade straight for about a year. I purchased a used Baurmann Sohnne 5/8. The blade popped hairs off my arm after receiving it. After stropping the razor passed the HHT but midway through the shave it was like it became dull. After stropping it again it still passed the HHT. So I did a shave test again a couple days later. Still became dull mid way. Any suggestions?

when you say half-way are you talking 1/2 your face... or when you get to the chin or neck portion of the shave?

To my chin and neck.

over-honed blade most likely
Second could be you have really course hair.
3 rd quality of the blade.(less likely)

I have a blade that does the exact same thing. Super-sharp for the first two passes, but needs a good strop before the ATG pass. I think it's the steel.

Technique(blade angle,razor movement, skin streching,etc), hair growth direction might be in question as well. Those 2 areas on my face were my biggest trouble spots for a while. I really had to pay attention to the way in which my beard grows in those spots and strech and shave accordingly. The angles on my chin made a huge difference along with blade buffing against the grain..Take your time and try different approaches until you find what works. Believe me, I'm still learning things that work better on my face even after almost 2 years. Recently, I sat down and watched this video and tried some of the techniques he uses, not so much the way he holds the razor but just the way he shaves with great results. Hope this helps some.

Video found here...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ing-video.html