Thread: not sure what to do

Ok so I use to get razor burn like you would believe. I read up on it and found that some very good info. I went to a local chain store and was looking at shaving soap for something different. All of a sudden I came across a cake soap. Not really knowing how to use it I did some research and found out even more info concerning shaving and razor burn and a whole slew of things that I had yet thought of. Anyway, I found a local beauty supply shop in my area and explored it. I found a disposable straight, blades, and brush. All for under 30 bucks. I thought, well I spend about that much everytime I get replacable cartriges. I used my cheap disposable straight for a good 3 months with great success. 1st 2 weeks was a learning curve but all in all everything went very well. So I decided to go ahead and buy a brand new straight. And so I did. I knew from all my research that I should have it honed by a pro. So I sent it to someone that was well known. I waited about 3-4 weeks for it to come back. In the meantime I was content with my dispolable straight. Then it came. Picked it up out of the mailbox on the way to work. Anticipation all day was unbearable. Btw I knew that it would be coming soon. So I didn't shave for about a week. Nice growth good test. So i got home that night, jumped into the shower, got out did my usuall routine of making uber lather. Stropped my blade bout 25 laps. And there i was ready to go. Know as I have been using a disposable straight my technique was good. But, boy was I surprised. I made that 1st pass and it felt like sand paper across my face. I was disapointed. Couldn't even finish 1 time wtg. Put down regular straight and went back to disposable straight. I have tried shaving with my reg straight 6 times and everytime same result.
So now that all that is said... I'm not sure what to do. Obviously the blade either wasn't honed properly or I'm not doiong something right. Any suggestions would be helpfull.

Originally Posted by calanor

I should have it honed by a pro. So I sent it to someone that was well known. I waited about 3-4 weeks for it to come back... Stropped my blade bout 25 laps. And there i was ready to go. Know as I have been using a disposable straight my technique was good. But, boy was I surprised. I made that 1st pass and it felt like sand paper across my face. I was disapointed. Couldn't even finish 1 time wtg. Put down regular straight and went back to disposable straight. I have tried shaving with my reg straight 6 times and everytime same result.
So now that all that is said... I'm not sure what to do. Obviously the blade either wasn't honed properly or I'm not doiong something right. Any suggestions would be helpfull.

If the razor was honed by someone well known, then there would have been no need to strop before using it, just wipe the oil off and go. I am guessing maybe your stropping technique still needs to be develop. It is quite possible you rolled the edge. Just my 0.02 cents worth, hope this helps. Keep us posted though.

Just curious but is there a difference in using a paddle strop to a hanging strop. Also the instructions I got said to strop before my first use

Originally Posted by calanor

Just curious but is there a difference in using a paddle strop to a hanging strop. Also the instructions I got said to strop before my first use

in reality no but paddle strop mistake free. what i mean by that. if you are new person and using paddle strop you will less likely make mistake compare to hanging strop.
Try strop and test shave again if you still think your blade is not sharp then contact the person who honed your blade. he may take it look.Just don't get desperate etc.
be patient. striaght using takes time.
i would say avoid Pressure any time including stropping,honing,shaving etc.
gl

Hey thanks alot. I will. btw I have a double sided paddle strop. Got that because I camp and travel alot and not all places would have somewhere to hang a strop. Figured that would be practical

Let me ask, Do you normally wait a week in between shaves with your disposable straight...?

A weeks worth of growth for most men can be considerable...I know if I miss two days and pick up any straight razor, it will feel completely different from one day's growth...Maybe it's just me...

Why not test with your normal growth, and normal routine, that way you'll be able to better judge your results...

Or did I miss something...?

P.S. I've heard there are differences in shaving with a disposable vs a regular str8, I cannot comment, I've never used a disposable...

+1, as the other member said, most honemeisters do test shave the blade before they send it out, and most do not require an initial stropping....That ensures you do not damage the edge for your first shave...

Not trying to be rude here but,have you checked out the wiki ? I would also send the blade back for rehone if you believe your edge to be rolled.As was said earlier though.This takes time so don't panic and be thorough....good luck The wiki is really the best way to start getting your answers.

I doubt anyone who hones as a service would send a razor out without it being properly sharpened to shave test readyness.

How much pressure did you use while stropping? I'm thinking that if the edge was honed by someone reputible, and you have decent technique from the disposable straight, then you might have rolled the edge of the razor by using too much pressure when stropping.

The other possiblity is that it is simply your lack of technique, which is very common with beginners.

How much pressure did you use while stropping? I'm thinking that if the edge was honed by someone reputible, and you have decent technique from the disposable straight, then you might have rolled the edge of the razor by using too much pressure when stropping.


I do understand how to strop and I use no pressure what so ever. I do believe that the blade was honed propperly. I just really couldn't see someone of this reputation not doing it propperly. On the other hand there is that possibility. As far as technique its pretty good. Im able to do it and talk to the wife at the same time. So I dont think tech would be prob unless there is a difference between the 2 types of razors.

Do you normally wait a week inbetween shaves....?