Thread: Heavy Beard - Need Help/Advice

I've had a couple days with my first pair of straight razors, but I am having no luck shaving the heavier parts of my beard near my chin. I bought a pair of basic Dovo 6/8 pre-honed by Lynn, so I don't think sharpness is an issue. At first I shaved a small patch of hair on my arm, and the razor proved very sharp and cut through no problem. So I took a shower and put some on some Proraso preshave and lathered up with the regular Proraso cream.

I decided to follow the SRP beginners guide and only start with the right sideburn/cheek. I shaved the flat part of my right side no problem, but as soon as I got down to the right side near my chin where my beard is heaviest the razor just stopped. So I pulled back and tried again and again it would not go through. I tried different angles and different approaches, all with no luck. It would simply stop the razor in its tracks. I even tried to give it some push, probably more so than was safe, and all that happened is the razor stuttered over that part of the beard. I realized at this point I was going to cut myself so I decided to try again the next day.

Since the razor worked well on other parts of my face, I sort of ruled out sharpness. I checked the razor to make sure I didn't fold the edge and compared it to the other, untouched razor and it looked fine. So I thought beard prep was probably the issue. The next day I took a shower and did the full hot towel, lather, hot towel, wipe, lather treatment. But again, same issue. The razor simply does not want to go through that part of my beard no matter how I approach it. It's worth noting that even using a DE with brand new feather blades that part of my face will tug at the razor.

At this point I'm kind of at a loss and I'm not sure what to do next. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.