Thread: Frustration

It takes time, but what you will probably end up doing is starting at too shallow an angle, say 5 degrees, and then lift the spine into the cut as you move the razor. You will know what it feels like and sounds like to be cutting whiskers properly and adjust the angle on the fly.

One more thing I remembered.

Start setting smaller goals for yourself. Go into the shave with a plan and stop when that plan is met. This is how Lynn recommends you start. He says this for a reason and you have discovered it.

If you try and tackle full on straight razor shaving all at once - you get a post that reads like yours did. Small steps that act as a foundation for the next steps is the way to go. So I would advise you to stop the whole face thing and stick with sideburn to jawline - both sides. When you are getting pretty comfortable with that - then move on to other areas.

Trust us - if the sideburn to jawline thing ain't happening - none of the rest is going to either.

So set small goals - achieve them and move on. It will eliminate a lot of your frustration and give you the confidence to keep moving.

I will begin with the small goals.

I shaved again, today. 3 passes, using the same techniques as yesterday, with the difference of a slightly raised blade at some points. I stropped as before. I showered, prepared and everything.

The results.
Shave time: under 45 minutes. My normal average was an hour.

Burns: a few minor ones on the cheeks and one small patch by the lip where the mustache meets the lower mouth.

Shave: I took a massive leap forward this time. My face is a lot cleaner. Some parts (like my upper lip and just under my chin) are still rough, but others are vastly improved. I appear to have a 5 o'clock shadow, but that is a far cry from before!

I admit that I got excited at the beginning of my third pass, and that is what led to the burns.

I almost feel human again. And I almost feel as though I have a beginning understanding of this fantastic skill. Thank you for all who have given advice. I hope to be able to return the favor at some point.

I have only partially shaved my face twice but what I find uplifting is the following: I wipe my blade with a washcloth as I shave and it is exciting seeing hair mixed in with the lather as I wipe off the residue.

Nice reminder that even though it looks like a 5 oclock shadow I can see the results on my washcloth!

Originally Posted by jmreeves

I have only partially shaved my face twice but what I find uplifting is the following: I wipe my blade with a washcloth as I shave and it is exciting seeing hair mixed in with the lather as I wipe off the residue.

Nice reminder that even though it looks like a 5 oclock shadow I can see the results on my washcloth!

Sometimes I can't see the results til I wipe the blade off. Then I know I've gotten somewhere. And now that I am actually getting some without hurting my face (or even really feeling the blade), I'm enjoying it more.

I'm also under the opinion that the razor edge is still borked from the improper stropping. Send it back to larry and he will get it straightened out for you.

That said, great job on improving your techinque!

Originally Posted by Nadie

Sometimes I can't see the results til I wipe the blade off. Then I know I've gotten somewhere. And now that I am actually getting some without hurting my face (or even really feeling the blade), I'm enjoying it more.

Brilliant news Nadie, well done my friend!

Don't you just wish that beard grew faster so you can shave more often eh? LOL!

We all wish for faster growing beards in the beginning so we can shave 24/7.