Thread: Guidance please

Originally Posted by livwire68

Actually I said I do not have a heavy beard, I have watched the vids. and have Lynn's vid. and watched it also. I did not strop the razor, it was shave ready by Max. Now that I have shaved with it I plan on stropping.

Ahh, Im sorry, misread that, well hope the stropping works for ya

I'm in my second month of straight shaving myself. Unlike some others however, I have much experience with sharpening and shaving (my arms) with pocket knives, as I usually won't carry a knife if it doesn't shave arm hairs.

Based on my personal experience, combined with everything I've read here, and what you wrote, I would agree with others who indicate that it's probably technique.

Learning to straight shave is done gradually.

My first straight shave was done with one of these:
:: Spyderco Product Details ::

After that, my proceeding four or five were done in a rush, and while they turned out okay (only a few nicks each time, but that's expected), I really didn't learn how my face wanted to be touched with the razor. I was in too much of a hurry to pay attention, and besides, it went okay. When I took my time to observe and note what my face, and hand were experiencing from the razor, I started to learn more, and my shaves got even better.

One way to think about beginning is this.

Light touch. Don't be afraid to use such a light touch that the only thing you accomplish is that you swipe the lather off without taking any whiskers. Stay with the angle's that are recommended, and slowly apply pressure until hairs start to cut. This will teach/train you and your muscle memory where to feel for the proper medium.

Hope that helps.

+1 on the previous advice. Additionally, are you stretching the skin of your face while shaving? If not, please do. It provides a smoother, taut surface to remove the whiskers of your light beard.

BTW...I have found that a light beard and/or soft whiskers are sometimes a bit trickier to remove than a heavy, coarse beard.

Just my 2 cents...

I'm also of the mind that if this was your first shave, it is more than likely your technique.

One of the most common mistakes is too high of an angle, mistaking 45 degrees for 30. Try coming in at a flatter angle, say two spine widths off your face.