Thread: Couple of Shaves Under the Belt/A Question

Hello,
new straight shaver here. I had my eye on getting a straight for several years now, and have just recently finished up my bachelors and got myself a full time job. Since I have a little extra money lying around I decided to finally indulge myself and get my first SR.

I picked up a Dovo Bismarck 6/8 from Fendrihan a short while ago. I've done three shaves, the first just a quick WTG pass in the cheek region, the second an almost full WTG pass (some of the jaw spots still feel a little awkward) and the third I did another WTG as well as a second pass XTG where I felt comfortable doing it.

Now there have been a few times where it felt like the razor was catching a little bit, though this may have been mostly due to my lack of technique. The other thing is (and I know it's not necessarily a cardinal rule) I can't seem to get the razor to pass a hanging hair test... I'm not sure if I should be concerned about this. I did buy the razor "pre-sharpened" as in, it should be shave ready out of the box and from what I have read on here Fendrihan does a good job at it. Though my stropping skill is slowly improving, I am wondering of perhaps I messed it up with my first few 'botched' attempts (I ended up putting a few nicks into it and had to pumice stone it down).

So should I be concerned about this, and what is the proper course of action if the razor needs some more work now?

Pumice stone? 0_o

Don't be concerned. PLEASE forget the HHT
If you got a comfortable shave from your razor then this is the correct test.
Nearly every beginners query included concerns about HHT. This is a test for the guys who hone regularly and even then isn't considered the best test.
A smooth shave gives the best feedback on sharpness.

Enjoy the str8 journey

Welcome to SRP!

Sounds like you got off to a good start!
Now, the issue of the stropping may have done slight damage to your edge, but probably not all that much.
I'd recommend an extra good stropping on linen and leather, then try it out again.
Focus on a very good prep, and pay attention to your angles. Stretching is also important for the best possible shave

Oh, and good call on the Pumice stone. That is really helpful on a strop with minor damage!

Keep at it and good luck!

Originally Posted by MickRussell

Pumice stone? 0_o

I read a few places that pumice stone is a good option for smoothing out nicks in a strop, we had some lying around so I used it. Seemed to work just fine.

Originally Posted by nzFuzzy

Don't be concerned. PLEASE forget the HHT
If you got a comfortable shave from your razor then this is the correct test.
Nearly every beginners query included concerns about HHT. This is a test for the guys who hone regularly and even then isn't considered the best test.
A smooth shave gives the best feedback on sharpness.

Enjoy the str8 journey

Thanks, I was trying to not let it bother me. The razor seems to shave just fine, and has been comfortable. The thing was since it is my first razor I don't have a reference point of correct sharpness, which is why beginners try and use those benchmark tests I think.

Originally Posted by Birnando

Welcome to SRP!

Sounds like you got off to a good start!
Now, the issue of the stropping may have done slight damage to your edge, but probably not all that much.
I'd recommend an extra good stropping on linen and leather, then try it out again.
Focus on a very good prep, and pay attention to your angles. Stretching is also important for the best possible shave

Oh, and good call on the Pumice stone. That is really helpful on a strop with minor damage!

Keep at it and good luck!

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will be sure to give her an extra good stropping before my next shave.

Originally Posted by Euclid

I read a few places that pumice stone is a good option for smoothing out nicks in a strop, we had some lying around so I used it. Seemed to work just fine.

Ok, I missunderstood. For a second I though you used the pumice on the razor. :lol:

Welcome, it sounds like you got off to a good start. Keep it up.

Dont worry about it failing HHT. The pull is probably a combination or angle of razor and possible direction of attack. For xtg try to stay under 20-25 degrees instead of 30. You may be surprised just what off angles and directions hair can grow try just running your fingers through a few days growth just to see what exact how it grows.