Thread: Jeff's Video Journal: A Beginner Learns Straight Razor Shaving

only saw the stropping one, but your definitely lifting the spine, and you will roll your edge that way. just lay the razor flat on the strop, and basically do what your already doing...trying not to lift the blade on the flip either.

Originally Posted by IsaacRN

only saw the stropping one, but your definitely lifting the spine, and you will roll your edge that way. just lay the razor flat on the strop, and basically do what your already doing...trying not to lift the blade on the flip either.

Thanks for the advice. It sounds easy when you say "lay it flat on the strop" because I know I SHOULD be doing that. And then I actually get the razor in my hand and all hell breaks loose! Lifting edges, bad technique, etc. LOL

I think the biggest challenge for me is going to be not to lift the edge when flipping it over to the other side.

Watch these videos for stropping info: http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ing-video.html

As for the shave, there are a few things you can do. One thing that was recommended to me and is very helpful is to try a stroke that incorporates a very slight sideways motion. So you obviously don't want to move too much sideways, because that would essentially be the same as using the razor like a scalpel to cut your skin open, but you do want a little sideways motion along with the downwards motion. Think of the tip of the razor being by your ear and the heel somewhere on your cheek when you start the stroke up by the sideburn and then ending up with the heel at your chin by the end of the stroke. You DON'T have to and should not (IMO) shave such a large area in one stroke like that, but that's an exaggeration to give you a sense of what I mean by the stroke. Hope that made some sense. If not, ignore it until someone explains it better, because I don't want you using the razor on your skin like a knife and getting a giant cut.

The technique I'm talking about is called the Gillette slide by some and here are some depictions of it:
Gillette Slide - Gallery - Badger & Blade
Gillette Slide! - Badger & Blade

Nice videos Jeff.
Lather looks a little dry. Ill come over and we'll work on that a little.
Im actually going to try using distilled water tomorrow to make the lather as our water is hard in Tracy.
Great first attempt though. Good commentary through out. (love the belch!)

When I swing by ill bring some of Als cream samples and split the puck of Bairlea Farms nectarine soap(really nice).

Peace.

Originally Posted by heirkb

Watch these videos for stropping info: http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ing-video.html

Thanks! I am checking those out now!

Originally Posted by heirkb

As for the shave, there are a few things you can do. One thing that was recommended to me and is very helpful is to try a stroke that incorporates a very slight sideways motion. So you obviously don't want to move too much sideways, because that would essentially be the same as using the razor like a scalpel to cut your skin open, but you do want a little sideways motion along with the downwards motion. Think of the tip of the razor being by your ear and the heel somewhere on your cheek when you start the stroke up by the sideburn and then ending up with the heel at your chin by the end of the stroke.

I'm going to keep that in mind for when I shave the next time. I did find that my brain was wanting to do straight down (from North to South) instead of at a slight angle (like NW to NE). Thanks for the tips!

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

Thanks! I am checking those out now!



I'm going to keep that in mind for when I shave the next time. I did find that my brain was wanting to do straight down (from North to South) instead of at a slight angle (like NW to NE). Thanks for the tips!

Good luck!

Keep playing with it and you'll find a good way to do things. I used to hate shaving under my jawline, because of how much it would tug. Sham (hi_bud_gl) recommended that I use a stroke like the one I posted about and it really helped. I recently talked to him about it again and realized I should use it more often. I now have a beard and below the jaw is the only area I shave (and I enjoy it more than shaving other areas, which is actually why I have the beard for now), so improvement with these things really is possible.

Well, I love the forum and the fact that so many people are willing to help others and offer advice. Poster GreenLightJerky above is a good friend of mine, and lives not too far from here. We're both embarking on this journey together and I'm sure we will both learn from each other's mistakes.

Thanks again for the advice, and as I post more videos, I will look forward to more feedback. I plan to post at least the next 10-20 shaves, so this thread will get quite long!

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

Well, I love the forum and the fact that so many people are willing to help others and offer advice. Poster GreenLightJerky above is a good friend of mine, and lives not too far from here. We're both embarking on this journey together and I'm sure we will both learn from each other's mistakes.

Thanks again for the advice, and as I post more videos, I will look forward to more feedback. I plan to post at least the next 10-20 shaves, so this thread will get quite long!

If you ever come by San Francisco during the summer, let me know. I can help you out and show you a few things since I'll be home then. I'm not too experienced, but I can pass on what I've learned so far.

Welcome. I'm new also...I felt the same way you did on my first shave...NERVOUS.. great job..it's cool that you are posting as you learn.