Thread: What did I do wrong?

Hey guys,
I'm only three months into the straigh razor lifestyle and loving it!
I have to say Lynn's video made it all possible and I've reached a point where I haven't nicked ir cut myself in weeks...UNTIL I switched over in mybrotation to a new, shave ready Dovo Bismark the other day.
Big slices on both cheek that I think came from the toe (end of blade) and really were deep. Even deeper than the very first day I tried shaving with a straight razor.
Even though the Bismsark came "shave-ready" I did strop it first.
Is it possible I bent something during the strop?
I say this because as I cut myself it felt as though a "burr" was scratching me.
Or, is the shape of the Bismark such that I need to adjust my technique?
Any help, or an offer to mentor me would make m eternally grateful. I'm doing all the proper pre-shave and I think I had a 20 degree angle, but I'm stumped
Thanks,
Jim Harper

Jim, Updating your Profile to include your location will help guys who are near you to speak up and volunteer what help they can give.

I've been lucky not to nick myself while shaving, but I have gotten a few "cuts" while not shaving. They were so fast and so pain free I didn't recognize that I had a cut until later (dripped blood with one of them before I realized I'd cut myself). If you felt a scratch or bur feeling you may have rounded the edge while stropping.

Where did you get the offending razor?

Peace,

From what you've written, it seems like you may have shaved with a razor with a sharper toe area than what you are used to.

Is this the square point Bismark? What was the point on your other razor?

If my thinking is correct, I'm thinking you started with a round point, now you have a square point, and you dug into your face with the toe and cut yourself. Could well be that I'm wrong, though, as I'm making two assumptions.

Jim,
Thanks so much for responding so fast.
I will update my profile.
Perhaps I did round the edge while stropping. Is that caused by poor technique? Too much pressure? Or flipping incorrectly?
By the way, love your truck and car. Amazing how many of us have the same obsessions. Many people I have talked to who enjoy the "manly things", like shaving, are also into cars, watches, cameras, guns. And in most cases, a Higher Power. Thanks, Jim. God Bless you for your interest, encouragement and help.
Jim

Yes, holli4pirating, The Bismark is square-toe and I've been learning on more rounded edges.
I'll go back to a round edge tonight while I heal up.
Thank you for your help.
Jim

Ace,
Yes, That Bismark was surgically sharp. All the cuts on my face are at the toe-end.
Lucky for me, with my ugly mug, a few scars just add character.
Still, blood, scabs and all: WORTH IT!
Jim

Originally Posted by Jimharper

Yes, holli4pirating, The Bismark is square-toe and I've been learning on more rounded edges.
I'll go back to a round edge tonight while I heal up.
Thank you for your help.
Jim

Given that that is the case, I'm betting that is the problem - digging in with the toe. When you use the square point, try to keep the toe off your face at all times. If you need it for some close up work, like around your ears or nose or on your chin, be very very careful and keep your eyes on the toe.

Originally Posted by Jimharper

Ace,
Yes, That Bismark was surgically sharp. All the cuts on my face are at the toe-end.
Lucky for me, with my ugly mug, a few scars just add character.
Still, blood, scabs and all: WORTH IT!
Jim

Square points are fine, but they are difficult if you're used to round points.

Nobody needs scars, but you'll be fine in time. Be careful and good luck!

Ace,
Thanks, your encouragement gave me the inspiration to go upstairs and pull off a nick-free, close shave with one of my rounded blades.
"gettin' back on the horse" meant a lot to me tonight.
-Jim