Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Update

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    36
    Thanked: 1

    Default Update

    Friends,
    Well, it's been awhile since I joined and got my str8s. I wanted to log back on and update my progress.

    Well, I think I have gotten lazy. I found (and it might very well be the razor, my technique or what) that I have been falling back on the DE and (don't hurt me) even the electric razor from time to time.

    WHen i would str8 shave, I would do a pass, but get to the neck area and things just weren't working. I was irritating the crap out of my neck, and the area around my chin was simply too difficult to mess with.

    So I started out earlier this year doing 1 pass with the str8 and finish up with the DE. But by that time I was just to burned up.

    Trying to do a two pass only str8 shave is pretty hard.

    So lately I have to admit that Ive been using only the DE or at worse the electric. DOn't ban me!


    I think the problem is there is just noone here to show me if Im stroping properly, if and when I need to use the red or green stuff on the board from whipped dog.

    I can still move the razor across the tops of my arm hairs and it would cut those so I don't think it needs honing.....i think maybe I just need a different razor.


    My approach is that It will take a lifetime to get this hobby down so Im sort of taking it in stages.


    I did want to log back in and let everyone know how things were going, and after I post this I might start back up with the str8.


    Eric
    Rhythmicons
    KF5KVE

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Rhythmicons For This Useful Post:

    Edgeof40 (05-23-2011)

  3. #2
    Junior Member redelephant's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Lakeland, Florida
    Posts
    20
    Thanked: 1

    Default

    I feel your pain...I just started straight razoring last month and have had my share of probs...all due to newness. I find the best shave, due to the excellent tutors on this forum, 20 pases on the fabric-40 on the leather of my strop. Cold water all the way with Bigelow cream lather and a few wtg and a few xtg passes. The process is enjoyable and fun! Keep at it and enjoy the process!!

  4. #3
    DLB
    DLB is offline
    Senior Member DLB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    482
    Thanked: 147

    Smile

    I just started in December of 2010. It took me 100 shaves before I felt I was in control of the razor. After 150 shaves, I can now get a decent shave from any of my straights. Just keep at it and don't worry about incorporating the DE. Use the straight only for the sides and the DE for the chin. When you get burn-free shaves from the straight, then try the throat.

    My only advice:
    Good shave prep
    Use a very close (15 degree) angle
    Use as little pressure as possible
    Use only WTG & XTG
    Follow up with a alum block and cold water and then a good balm.

    Hope it gets better for you.

  5. #4
    Member Edgeof40's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Cobham, Surrey UK
    Posts
    115
    Thanked: 29

    Default

    A nice post that Eric and thanks,

    My journey into the world of straights seems to emulate DLB's above, and now while I'm comfortable with my shaving with the straight, I do still find subtle tweeks to improve my technique. It is a never ending learning curve and I think thats why i love it.

    Check out the stropping forum as there are many views on stropping given there. For me its 30 denim 60 leather pre shave and 15 denim 30 leather post shave (to dry edge)

    Enjoy

  6. #5
    ace
    ace is offline
    Senior Member blabbermouth ace's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    3,362
    Thanked: 581

    Default

    I think your experience is probably typical. Without the assistance of this forum I wouldn't be able to straight shave at all. Without the kind mentoring of one of the members here, I wouldn't be able to hone. Watching someone else strop made all the difference for me.

    Your problem is either your edge, your technique or even both.

    Getting razor burn from one pass WTG has to be the result of too much, way too much, pressure. If your blade is sharp you should need no pressure at all, only the weight of the blade. If you have to use pressure to cut whiskers, the blade is not sharp enough.

    I'd suggest sending a blade away to have it sharpened so you can eliminate that variable.

    If you strop conventionally, I'd suggest laying it on a big book and using it like a paddle strop. Strop slowly and carefully. Don't try to look like all those barbers out there slapping away with their razors on a hanging strop. It does look cool, but you have to be really practiced to get that right.

    Let the razor do the work. If it can't, send it out.

    Oh, and good luck!

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to ace For This Useful Post:

    Edgeof40 (05-23-2011)

  8. #6
    ..mama I know we broke the rules... Maxi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    2,895
    Thanked: 993
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default

    Eric,

    There definitely is a good learning curve to using a straight. Part of that experience is mentally logging what has worked for you, and then of course, what has not.

    Ace mentions a stropping technique on a book. He is correct. Cover the book with newspaper and keep the razor flat. It works very well. There is a video in the beginners section right now by The Pastor, about this very thing. It's the second video of his two that he posted.

    Good Luck on your journey sir.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •