Thread: 3 shaves down, questions

Just getting started out, and I have a few questions. I got the sight unseen kit from whipped dog(very pleased with the service) and razor pops the hair off my forearm at barely a touch. However, on my face the razor seems to drag and pull at the whiskers no matter what angle I try. I don't know if it's my technique or if I should try another razor. I am getting some burn and a few nicks but that is probably just me. The razor is a 4/8, and as I said sure seems to he very sharp. I don't expect it to shave like going thru butter, but I definitely was getting a closer shave with disposables. Do I give it more time? Suggestions please!

Originally Posted by gwhite

Do I give it more time?

This. Your post is a very typical "first straight shaves" type of post. Leaning this takes some time and you'll have to live with some mediocre shaves for maybe a couple weeks, but it will get better, trust me!

This shouldn't happen. specially you have change different angles.
Now there is a lot depends on you.
Stretching ,shave preparation.
Try them out if won't help then contact whipped dog . that is the best and first option.
In the other hand i think 4/8 is a little tough to start to learn shaving. just my opinion.

Originally Posted by gwhite

However, on my face the razor seems to drag and pull at the whiskers no matter what angle I try.

+1 to Blix and Hi_Bud

Straight shaving is a skill which you must learn, like playing an instrument or driving a car, and when you get there, the shaves you have will be 100 times better than with a disposable. What keeps you going in the meantime is the experience. Enjoy it for me it's my time to do something for me i can really take pride in

Also, lower your angle and use less pressure, you shouldn't feel the weight of the blade on your face. If you have access to a good barber go get a hot shave, you won't even feel the blade on your face. That'll sort the burn out.

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely going to keep at it. Larry from whipped dog sent info on razor drag that warns about these things and encourages patience. I was looking for some pointers.

If you're confident in the blade then it's the same old things to watch for. Lower blade angle, stretching the skin, minimal pressure, mapping your beard and strokes to compliment the growth and of course good prep and quality soap. Other than that just practice...practice...practice.

Just wanted to give an update. I shaved for the 5th time today and things seem to be coming together a little. I actually got a decent shave, even on my chin! Thanks to suggestions and reading more posts, I revamped my prep and started stretching my face in ways I didn't think possible-the end result being that I got a much closer shave. My face is a little more tender and red than usual, but I don't think I have ever shaved 5 days straight because my skin is so sensitive. I will probably wait a couple of days now before trying again.

It would really be hard to start shaving with a SR without the aid of this site and all the helpful people on it. It would be a really intimidating task for sure.

On a side not, I really think I prefer a larger razor. As I said the one I'm using is a 4/8. I have a 6/8 Geneva that my dad gave that I was using to practice hand positions ect before the one I ordered came. I like the heft and weight of the bigger blade, however it has some condition issues and needs some work. I think I'll go ahead and send it off for an estimate.

Thanks again to all!

Just give it more time, at first your trying to get as good as a shave as a disposiable. After you pass that mark your getting better then a disposiable and then much better to the best shaves you have felt. Its all your technique......I know the feeling of drag and then trying different angles only to exhaust every one, as you will see in time those angles that were not working will start too. As recomended above try to get a hot shave from a barber so you have something to compare/work up too. After a while you will get to know your face better then your barber and your shaves will be closer. That was my experience anyways.

Enjoy your progress in the art, when your on shave 100 you will be wondering what the big issue was.

One thing you never mentioned was how long you have been wet shaving prior to using a straight. If you have not been wet shaving long then part of the problem may be your lathering. This was my issue when I started. I was not only learning a straight, but prep, lather, post shave, blah blah blah.

I agree that by the time you get that 100 shave in you will be using both hands, uphill, in the snow, barefoot. And wondering what the big deal was way back when.

Darre
RazorSmith.com

Originally Posted by gwhite

... My face is a little more tender and red than usual, but I don't think I have ever shaved 5 days straight because my skin is so sensitive. I will probably wait a couple of days now before trying again.... I have a 6/8 Geneva that my dad gave that I was using to practice hand positions ect before the one I ordered came.

GW. First, Bravo for hanging in there. You've gotten this far, and it probably only gets easier from here. I agree w/ Sham - a 4/8 was/still is more demanding. They do the job fine, but I wouldn't want to learn w/ one. The Geneva, OTOH, is prob. wonderful. Think long and hard before letting go of that one (then think of me!! ). I have and have had many blades. My 6/8 Genco (Geneva became Genco) remains in the top 4 against all blades at all prices. If its resurrectable, it might be funds well spent. I've only seen one (out of about 20) that had any asymetry - warp or wave - at all. I think you will hear from others w/ way more experience than I - that the Geneva should be a great shaver. If condition issues are more than just honing - maybe get a pro to help. If just honing, there are many options, all low cost, some free. 'Makes me happy to hear its going this well already. The irritation is almost always pressure. More pressure, more irritation. You'll get there and love your shaves.