Thread: Straight razor not cutting hair at all

These are very concise instructions that any newb having trouble should read.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-use-care.html

Originally Posted by herbertfilby

If that hanging hair test is only a "pretty trick" then what would be an effective sharpness test that I can use to see if I'm stopping correctly?

The acid test, you shave with it.

+1 to all the comments here. Just a thought on the HHT as you described it: It's true that a failed HHT does not necessarily prove a razor to not be shave ready. However, if you had to loop the hair over the edge and cut the hair in a sawing motion as you described, then what you have there is your dull blade.

I doubt you can learn any sharpness test accurately enogh before you start to get the hang of shaving
Then you can start calibrating the tests after what shaves better...

the razor you got was probably covered with oil witch will make it harder to cut hair untill it is removed

By the way, Welcome to SRP

Originally Posted by herbertfilby

I did not want to come off here sounding like a know-it-all. I know I must have forked it up, I was just looking for some advice. I will keep at it, and hopefully will improve with practice.

If that hanging hair test is only a "pretty trick" then what would be an effective sharpness test that I can use to see if I'm stopping correctly?

Be careful when you strop too. I ruined a edge or to with improper stropping when I started.

Well, I'm on my 4th shave. I spent about an hour and a half carefully honing it according to all the instructions I found online to make up for the bad job I did the first couple days, and carefully stropped it, and I got it where I think it was the day I first received it. The shaving went much smoother again and only mild burning as I didn't have to go over the same spot of skin multiple times because the hair was finally coming off.

I think what it came down to was just improper stropping and just needing to practice more.

I got my straight from the same place you did original poster. I can say, its not the razor, its you.

I had the same issue at first but then I got some simple instruction from a vet, and now almost two months later i can shave with my straight daily and also shave not only my face, but my head as well.

Its a completely different game from a cartridge razor. I would compare it to driving a car vs riding a motorcycle. In a car (cartridge) you can practically sleep and be ok, but on a motorcycle(straight) you really have to pay attention.

Take your time and don't expect a baby butt smooth shave for like the first month id say. I just made sure i used my straight at least every or every other day. And do yourself a favor, don't go atg yet. I still haven't done that yet myself.

Have fun!

Tis the season and we will be seeing a lot more new guys having problems and thinking it's the razor. The more we can help them with technique and the advise given above, the better.

Have fun,

Lynn

I felt the SAME way when I got my razor. I kept reading all the great info the the WIKI page, watched Lynn's DVD and swallowed my pride. I really focused on technique and patience and the razor started to get "sharper" LOL! Just keep at it. Strop and then LIGHT LIGHT pressure and proper angle. Stretching the skin was also a huge help with me. Pulling in different directions really helped me get a great shave with no irritation even on the neck. I just achieved this last night after 2 months...