Thread: Newbie needs help

I just started to use a straight razor. I have been using a DE with great success. I recently bought a razor from Lynn...it is a very nice razor.

I have tried to shave twice with some success (some cuts and a nasty cut on the ear). I know I have to take my time!

First, how many strop strokes should I do after each shave to maintain the edge?

Second, when I am shaving, should I use short strokes or try to do longer strokes?

Third, I know we should use a very little pressure when shaving. Is it just enough pressure to keep the blade to the skin? Any advice would be appreciated.

Fourth, how many shaves should I get from a blade before I have to hone (or in my case use Tony's paddle strap with paste on it?

For those who have Tony's paddle strap, can someone explain the honing process with it? I believe you do it like stroping which is different if you are using a wetstone

Thanks for the great site. The first shaves are shaky but hopefully I will have better luck tomorrow!

Joe

Joe,

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Stroping - I usually strop 30 to 40 times before the
shave. Oher guys do more others less. I usually
don't strop after the shave. But then again some
do. When I do strop I usually make 10 round trips.

I typically make a long pass when shaving.

Very little pressure is needed, just as with the DE.

When using the paddle strop, lead the with spine.
On a hone lead with the edge.

How many shaves? I ain't opening that can of worms.....
You'll get multiple answers on that one......


Hope this helps a little.


Terry

Hi Joe,

20 to 25 strokes on the leather strop before each shave. I recommend little strokes when shaving. I also recommend only tackling one part of the face at a time until you get used to using the razor. Minimal to virtually no pressure. You should not have to rehone or refresh on pastes for 2-3 months unless your stropping at first dulls the razor. This sometimes happens with new folks. On the strop with paste, you are correct in that the motion is a stropping motion. I normally would only recommend 10 strokes on the .5 side and 10 on the .25 side if using diamond pastes.

Keep us posted and good luck.

Lynn

You should strop before the shave. Some people strop a few times afterwards to help dry the blade, but the serious stropping is done right before you shave. If you lather up first then this also gives the lather more time to soften the whiskers. Opinions vary as to how many strokes to take, I do 10 round trips on the linen and 40 round trips on the leather (just saw lynn's post, ignore me and believe him). As for how many shaves you get before paddling, that depends on a lot of things. When it starts pulling more than you like and stropping doesn't fix it then it's time to hit the pasted paddle. Using the pasted paddle is like using a strop, draw the razor with the edge trailing the spine; the stones are used with the edge leading -- if you try this with a strop you'll slice it up.

As for pressure, it does take some but not very much. Stretching the skin is important, it improves the quality of the shave and reduces the chances for nicks.

You're getting all the right advise here so I won't repeat any of it, but would like to add that it is very easy to knock the edge off your razor with bad stropping, especially as a new straight shaver. Be sure to strop very gently being sure not to roll over the edge even a little or to draw the blade over the edge of the strop or anything else which would damage the cutting edge. Care is important.

X

Thank you everyone. It is nice to know I have some experts that can help out a new straight razor shaver. It can be scary the first few times.

When talking about strokes on a strop...is that round trip (back and forth?). Sorry for the dumb question

Joe

Joe,

Not a dumb question at all. It is actually a round trip
and not a stroke.


Terry

Yes, 25 laps (or strokes) would be 25 round trips on the strop.

My advice is to start slow and work your way into being comfortable shaving your entire face. If you get to a position that makes you feel awkward, stop and try again another day. Finish the shave off with a DE or safety razor if you have to, and then reapproach that area again on the next shave.

Wow, I sure can't give advice that competes with these guys but I can say that while you're shaving, *focus* on what you are doing. Feel the blade in your fingers, the pressure you apply to the tang with your fingertips. Feel the blade on your skin, the tightness as you stretch and the gentle pop of the whiskers as they are cut free.

Stay focused on what you are doing and don't let your mind wander to what you are going to have for breakfast, whether your boss is a doofus or not, or the discussion you had with your wife/girlfriend the night before. When your mind wanders, you tend to end up doing things like moving your hands around without thinking and that can result in some nasty cuts.

I've learned two very important lessons since I started this... Lots of skin stretching and *stay focused*

-- Gary F.

Originally Posted by gfoster

When your mind wanders, you tend to end up doing things like moving your hands around without thinking and that can result in some nasty cuts.

I've learned two very important lessons since I started this... Lots of skin stretching and *stay focused*

And *wear pants* while shaving :-)

Seriously though, while driving in to work this morning I noticed a long (1.5") slice down the side of one of my fingers. I never felt it; fortunately there was no blood because it didn't break through the skin, but it was also too close for comfort. Shaving at 6am it's easy to lose focus, and I've clearly got to work on that some more.