Thread: First Shave! Need advise!!!

Well I just finished my first shave! However, I was experiencing a LOT of pulling with the blade (new Dovo 5/8 fullow hollow ground). I am concerned about the sharpness of the blade, but it was honed by Lynn himself... I suppose it is an angle issue? Let me know what you fellows think! I held the razor at about a 30 degree angle or less, but still felt tons of pulling like I was shaving with dull metal. I only did one side (as recommended), and finished off with a disposable. If you have any tips or suggestions please let me know, as I will be trying again tomorrow (probably). Just wasn't the shave I was expecting... but I expect this is the feeling most have after their first try.

Originally Posted by joben

Well I just finished my first shave! However, I was experiencing a LOT of pulling with the blade (new Dovo 5/8 fullow hollow ground). I am concerned about the sharpness of the blade, but it was honed by Lynn himself... I suppose it is an angle issue? Let me know what you fellows think! I held the razor at about a 30 degree angle or less, but still felt tons of pulling like I was shaving with dull metal. I only did one side (as recommended), and finished off with a disposable. If you have any tips or suggestions please let me know, as I will be trying again tomorrow (probably). Just wasn't the shave I was expecting... but I expect this is the feeling most have after their first try.

My first shave with a Dovo Best Quality 5/8 was kind of the same. The problem was that my stokes were too long. Try one inch strokes or less. Beard prep can also affect it too. Proper prep and lather can really help reduce the tugging. The angle might seem like 30 degrees, but it might be off.
Be sure to read this article written by Lynn in the wiki. It really helps and has some good visuals on angles.
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

More than likely it is beard prep or the angle of the blade. Experiment with the angles and see what happens.

Prep and angle...probably the 2 biggest reasons for a so called poor first shave. Try lowering your angle a bit and see how that works

You know a lot .
that is a good sign.
Don't expect in your first shave you will have shave similar to DE shave.(you will have better shaves but it takes time)
As early you mention yourself angle -You don't have to use any particular angle while you shave.
make small strokes and find right angle for the blade.(every single blade will differ)
right angle will be the easiest angle your blade cuts hair.
Next don't shave against the grain.
lastly be patient.
gl and enjoy.

Your razor is/was definitely shave ready if it came from Lynn.

If your technique isn't developed yet for what's best for you, we all have our own here, then the razor may tug a bit and be uncomfortable.

Make sure you're lathering well and it's wet enough to help the razor guide, but not too wet so it's thin. You should also stretch the skin where the hairs can stand up right and then shave those hairs that are standing in small little strokes, not big swooping strokes.

Like Sham said, angle is something that everyone adjusts according to the razor they are using 30 degrees and so on are general measurements for new guys to use as a guideline.

If you strop incorrectly the razor's edge will roll and become dull, this to me is the most common problem new guys have. The razor will get dull very quickly, 3-4 stropping sessions, if the user is stropping incorrectly and rolled the edge.

Follow the advice you'll get on this site, don't fuss about the bad shaves, and don't be ashamed to pull out the DE or the cartridge when you feel you need them. Just be patient and let time help you. You can only learn so much from reading & listening to others, the rest of the learning comes from just plain repetition.

I have to admit I have been using a SR for almost a year and still finish off with a cartridge however my technique is improving all the time and enjoy using the straight, and hopefully will get to a point of not needing the cartridge, but until then

Originally Posted by Doublewood

I have to admit I have been using a SR for almost a year and still finish off with a cartridge however my technique is improving all the time and enjoy using the straight, and hopefully will get to a point of not needing the cartridge, but until then

You're not the only one starting with a straight razor, and ending with something else. I've "graduated" to finishing with a DE. Even that caused me trouble, at first.

The cartridges are soooo seductive. If it doesn't work well, just press a little harder.<g>

Charles

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the great feedback! Just finished my second run and tried out some new angles as reccomended. When I held the razor almost completely flat against my face it was MUCH smoother. I also think I wasn't pulling my skin tight enough on the first go... Live and learn, hopefully my future shave will continue to get easier with time. Thanks again!!!