Thread: ATG Great - WTG OK - Why?

Mick,

I am a new Straight Shaver, so there is high probability that my stropping, technique and honing/touch up skill is poor. I shave every day with the Straight, and if I run out of time, I touch up with the Mach III. I shave with both hands, have a normal prep (Shower, hot lather) and strop 25 fabric/50 leather. My TPT tells me that my razor is not as keen as when new, but it does improve if I "touch up" after a few weeks with a Nan 12k. However, it is not like a new pro honed blade.

I am believing that the degraded performance is a combination of all my rookie techniques...however, I still am enjoyong the experience, it is just not as clean of a shave as a new razor.

G'day Elendil, I'd recommend sending it out for a fresh honing. Now, do you have a second straight? Preferably something for practising on. I'd recommend having a second razor, and that's advice coming from a minimalist razor owner.
Like me, you will have yet to come to your full potential with honing/stropping skills and developing that feather light touch required for the truly sharp blade.
Poor shaving technique will be playing a part in it too. I've experience an incredibly poor shave from an even more incredibly sharp razor, due entirely to credibly poor technique.
You're probably past that stage by now and can gain a reasonable shave with out too much issue, but have trouble with some areas or angles. Poor angles will add a little to dulling the edge, and I hope you're not doing the TPT just before a shave and after stropping. It won't help the edge at all.
There are much more qualified people here than me. They will be able to give you the best advice. Just start off with a fresh Pro honing.
I understand the desire to be self sufficient with it all though, to me that is a big part of using a straight...Take it slow, no pressure, and on another razor.


Mick

Mick, Thanks for the great advise. You hit everything on the head. I do have a second razor, so I will send one out to get honed and continue with the learning process...