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Thread: Suggestions please?
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08-02-2011, 06:44 PM #1
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Thanked: 46Try a DE sample pack...you should be able to figure out which razor works best with your razor..make sure your lather is good and not too thick and not too thin..good luck
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08-02-2011, 06:56 PM #2
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08-02-2011, 07:16 PM #3
+1
Also yes, it could be it's taking a while for you to shave and the lather is drying out, but also could be too much water (believe it or not..) too much makes the lather too thin and when that happens i always found that it dried out quicker because of it (maybe something to do with the water not being properly locked in the lather or something) , anyways, practice making lathers as per the wiki, paint your arm and see how long it lasts. You'll get there, all of straght shaviing are little things that need a lot of practice
As for the chin, it's the big problem area for most of us. you'll figure it out, everyone does, and most of what people tell you to do is hard to visualise, it's all avery very personal thing. However I will try
i like to use the front thirde of the blade, even less round the chin, and do tiny little short strokes and lots of them. when i say short i mean half a cm to a cm. flatten out a little area at a time and get it smooth, and really concentrate on your stretching and blade angle.
You will slice yourself round there sooner or later, we all do. Just don't go ATG there yet (or ever) because you will slice yourself sooner, then repeatedly lolLast edited by tekbow; 08-02-2011 at 07:21 PM.
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08-02-2011, 09:04 PM #4
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Thanked: 1936Blix is right on the $$$. I have seen a few no name razors that are OK, but most are not. Secondly another shave soap/cream would probably do you good...
Southeastern Oklahoma/Northeastern Texas helper. Please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you and God Bless, Scott
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escott (08-06-2011)
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08-06-2011, 01:13 AM #5
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Thanked: 0So today my Genco Master Barber came in. I bought it on ebay with the promise that someone at SRP had honed it. I have to say it has made a world of difference. Most of the troubled areas are much less troubled and my shave looks better overall.
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08-02-2011, 07:18 PM #6
About your lather drying, it's possible that it's because the time you use when shaving. I won't say that you're slow because it takes a lot more time in the beginning, but don't try to rush it, the speed will come as your technique improves. Try to just lather one part of the face at a time, instead of the entire face.
When I first started shaving with straights I also was "slow" and after a few drying lathers I started to first lather and shave my cheeks, and then my chin and neck (I had a mustache at the time)
As long as you get your cheeks and upper lip shaven it shouldn't be a problem with the blade, at least nothing more than it might start to dull a little, should be enough to give it a few laps on a pasted strop to get it back. If I understand you correct I have the same issue with my lower lip/chin, what I do is that I suck in my lower lip to help flatten and strech the area down to the chin.
Have you mapped your beard growth? If not, I woukd recommend you to do so, it will help you a lot, especially in the problem areas. To get my chin smooth I have to do one N/S oass and two W/E passes, but that's just what I have found to work best for me.
Be patient and keep playing around with different strokes, finally you'll figure out what works best for you. But most important, don't give up, straigt shaving has a steep learning curve, it will take time before you get those great shaves, but they will som eventually.
Good luckNeed help or tutoring? Check out the .
Rune
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08-02-2011, 07:46 PM #7
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Thanked: 0To the OP, I'd try a better soap, but a no-name straight sounds suspicious. How was it honed?
anyways, practice making lathers as per the wiki, paint your arm and see how long it lasts. You'll get there, all of straght shaviing are little things that need a lot of practicei like to use the front thirde of the blade, even less round the chin, and do tiny little short strokes and lots of them. when i say short i mean half a cm to a cm. flatten out a little area at a time and get it smooth, and really concentrate on your stretching and blade angle.
But most important, don't give up
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08-02-2011, 07:53 PM #8
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08-02-2011, 08:07 PM #9
Hello, escott. For what it's worth, here are my thoughts. First, I don't have much regard for Colonel Conk soaps. Sure, they lather and help you shave. They are better than nothing. Get yourself a Tabac, Mitchell's wool Fat, Valobra, Provence Sante, L'Occitane . . . You see where I'm going with all this. In the meantime, since you're working with Colonel Conk, load your brush heavily, use a medium amount of water, and if the soap dries on your face, re-lather. What have you to lose?
I don't know whether your razor is as sharp as it could be. On the other hand, your technique is probably the culprit — but I'm only guessing. The area around the mouth is a problem for many people. That as well as the area on the neck just below the chin. Forget about getting a great shave. Do the best you can for a passable shave. Time will take care of your problem, time to hone your skill. Set your mind's dial on getting a comfortable shave as you hone your technique. The great shaves will come in time, even around the chin and the mustache areas.
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tekbow (08-02-2011)
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08-02-2011, 08:28 PM #10
When I first started shaving I had the same problems.
Here is a video that helped me. With no frills soap and cream you can get from your local drugstore. (rite aid is where I purchased both of them in the beginning. (a few drops of glycerin and a pre shave oil help as well)
‪Building Shave Lather‬‏ - YouTube
and here is another with few other techniques
‪How To Build And Apply Traditional Shaving Lather‬‏ - YouTube
A better quality soap does help, but shaving technique does too (that was the major factor for me)
as for shaving the lower lip and chin area, be patient. and take your time. The good shaves will come.
Read from the wiki and older forum posts. Youtube straight razor shaving and you will find a bunch of videos with different techniques that may help you. I believe there are also video links in the forum.
I hope this helps. Happy Shaving