Thread: Frustrated

Well I purchased my first Str8 a Dovo from SRD. Received it, shaved with it and wasn't to bad. Had about 4 cuts but the tugging was really bad. I had to stop because it seemed like it wasn't cutting. I was afraid to apply anymore pressure. The areas with less stubble was ok. It was kind of neat though that I could see and hear the razor cutting but couldn't feel the razor on my face (too little pressure maybe?). Anyways I was going to attempt stropping and ran my thumb across the blade and noticed a small curl towards the end. I must have damaged it some how. I contacted Lynn about it and now I have to send it back for him to look at it. Ahhh!! I just want an irritation free shave! I have been DE/SE edge shaving for 4 months and started the Str8 and have yet to have an irritation free shave. Anyone else have these problems that were solved?

The SRD guys are awesome to deal with. Super friendly. That razor will come back frighteningly sharp.

When you being shaving with a straight, so many variables are at play. Your tugging could very well be a razor angle that is too steep. For instance, if you are shaving with the razor at 45 degrees instead of around 30, that will make a huge difference. The more you increase the angle, the more you will be "scraping" instead of "slicing".

Second, try to make some time for shave preparation. I'm not sure what you do beforehand, but a hot shower and a good rubbing of the beard/stubble always helps me. I also prefer to let my lather sit for a couple minutes before I attempt any shaving.

Last, a straight shave that requires pressure is going to be a dangerous shave. That blade should just be touching your skin, simply resting on it. Hold it tight in your fingers, but don't push it into your skin.

I hope this helps. Don't let the Mach3 win. Persist and remember what works, when it works, to help you put your equation together. It's all a bit different for each of us.

It shouldnt take any pressure. None. It sounds as if it is either a beard prep problem or even more likely a technique problem. Try using small strokes while experimenting with various angles (nothing drastic please). Sometimes it is advised that you should just shave from the sideburn down to the jawline and then finish up with whatever you are used to until you start to get the feel of it.

Sounds like you got starteritis. A common ailment characterized by wanting and expecting beyond your abilities.

Just take it slow and easy and a step at a time and you be shaving like a champ before you know it.

As has been said watch you angle and pressure and the strokes.

All of the above and don't forget to stretch the skin. Pull one way and shave in the other.

Hello, Greenjosh:

Straight razor shaving is a slow learning process that takes time and patience. Trial and error are a part of that. So are experimentation and improvisation.

Some days you'll wonder why on earth you got into straight razor shaving. "There has to be a better way to shave," you'll tell yourself.

Most of us here will tell you there is no better way to shave than with the straight razor. Yet to arrive at that point, you will need experience. So take your time and shave away, slowly and methodically, because in the end you will be rewarded.

At Straight Razor Place we can say that, because all of us have been where you are. If we can do it, you can do it. Stay with it. Odds are tomorrow's shave with the straight razor will be much better than today's.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks for all of the positive feedback. Its just a little frustrating that I have to send my razor out after my first shave. I always shave after a hot shower and immediatly apply Trumpers skin food then work on my lather. That seems to work a little better. I'm not going to give in to those cartridge multi-blade demons. Even though my first shave took forever and was crappy I enjoyed it very much. I didn't expect much on my first shave so that helped. The enjoyment was just the task at hand. Everything else in life is blocked out for that moment. I will continue my endeavor with hopes of better success. As you know I purchased my razor from SRD and comes honed from Lynn. How do I maintain my edge? Just strop until it needs to be honed again? I read different things as some people say to strop before every shave and some say every 4-5 shaves? I'm looking for basic here. I read that a barber hone will work or a coticule for touch ups since I'm already working with a good edge. I like the idea of the DMT D8EE since its less maintenance. I will concentrate on shave technique before jumping into honing but was just curious for future steps.

Originally Posted by greenjosh

I like the idea of the DMT D8EE since its less maintenance. I will concentrate on shave technique before jumping into honing but was just curious for future steps.

Strop accurately & lightly before each shave & your razor will serve you well.
I don't think a DMT EE will help you achieve the irritation free shave you're after
I agree with concentrating on the shave first. Plenty of time to learn honing later.

+1 on onimaru's advice.

Strop carefully, using the weight of the blade to apply the right amount of pressure.

Stay away from honing for now. Concentrate on your pre-shave preparation and shaving technique.

Follow up with an astringent such as witch hazel and then some aftershave balm.

Yesterday morning I just tried WTG with my injector and had much less irritation to almost zero. Of course the shave was not nearly as nice as my usual 3 pass shave. There's gotta be a happy medium somewhere. Jhenrys suggestion of witch hazel sounds like a try. I ordered a sample of Gentleman's Refinery aftershave balm and one of those water repellent socks for my razor from The Superior Shave. The balm is awesome stuff! Really nice and lightweight. If you haven't tried it you should. Once again thanks for all the help!