Thread: First straight shave - couldn't get a REAL close shave

I've been using a double edge for some time. Loved how good of a shave i was getting but decided i need to move up on the man scale . I ordered a Professionally-Honed DOVO All Stainless Steel, 5/8, and DOVO Prima Rindleder Strop. I took a hair and was able to successfully cut it no problem. Believing now the blade was sharp I decided that no stropping would be needed and started shaving my sideburns WTG. I used some proraso shaving cream in a hot mug. I was able to shave down successfully reapplied some proraso and went ATG, this is where i started having problems. I could not get the real close shave I was easily able to get with the double edge. I had to go over the area multiple times in order to achieve a close save. I did the other side burn with the same issue. I decided i would try under my nose and under the lower lip. I went WTG first and the blade felt like i was pulling the hairs. Went ATG and I could not for the life of me get those areas smooth. I took out my double edge and finished up my shave. I will appreciate any suggestions you might have for me.

I experienced similar results my first time, i too am new to SR shaving. I did experiment with the blade angle and the way i was holding the razor that seemed to help. Also be sure to use short strokes, that helps me alot.

Stretching your skin is important, did you do that?
I have only been shaving for a month with a SR and each time I get a closer shave. Keep trying is the point.

Also Stropping is important to prepare the edge. Simply cutting a single hair, only proves the section of the razor you cut the hair with was sharp.

It takes some time and experimentation to get that great shave. Really focus on your angle and take your time...it will come We all had a similar experience our first shaves.

Originally Posted by xalted13

I took out my double edge and finished up my shave. I will appreciate any suggestions you might have for me.

Your experience is normal. The cutthroat is harder to use than a safety razor, but patience will be rewarded. Just keep a light touch and eventually you'll get the hang of it.

Xalted, in your first shaves, ATG is probably getting ahead of yourself - at least in areas that are a challenge. Blade angle, lack of pressure are the first topics to get comfortable with. As others have said, it WILL come. ATG on the mustache area is something very very few do at all - ever. It's called 'the fool's stroke' for a reason.

On the 'Stache, you can stretch w/ some facial contortions, and if needed, by grabbing the schnoz and pulling up. Upper lip is curled as far over your upper teeth as you can. Pulling the nose upward and to the opposite side your shaving helps, as does pulling from the side above the corner of your mouth. It may take some time to get it down, but it sounds like you have a pretty successful start - big 'grats for that. Keep it going!

Lay off ATG for a few weeks.

Getting good shaves with a straight is very dependant on technique, not just a sharp razor. ATG particularly demands better technique. In the beginning you simply don't the experience, feel, and coordination to execute good technique, even if you have memorized everything there is to know. Because of all this, you should expect sub par shaves for awhile. It is the experience we all go through in the beginning. It is also part of what makes getting good shaves with a straight so satisfying, knowing that it wasn't simply a nice razor, but skill in wielding this super sharp blade across your face and neck.

So just be patient. Stick with WTG for awhile and focus on good skin stretching, keeping the angle less than 30 degrees (about 2 spine widths) and keeping the pressure really really light. Within a dozen shaves or so your technique will dramatically improve.

There will always be a bit of pulling, but if you feel it is too much, just finish up that area with your DE. With time your technique will get better and better and you will use the DE less and less.

Yea when I bough my new Ferrari I can't understand why I couldn't drive it like a race car driver right out of the showroom.

I'm Not trying to be sarcastic here but it takes experience and lots of it to get good shaves with a straight. You are being unrealistic.

I appreciate all the help from everyone. I love a smooth shave, guess i'm going to be a fool because of that area under the nose. I'll be shaving again on Wednesday and will update my results. Here's a quick question. Does the straight edge care about how long i haven't shaved? Does it make the shave harder/different ?

I would think as long as you properly prep your face, it shouldn't matter