Thread: how smooth can it be??

Well hell, the mach shave is fantastic for me, it really is but I know it's not for everyone. I just want someone to describe to me in a manner that I can quantify how your very best shave felt. I've gotten lot's of contradictory advice over the past few months and I'm just trying to find out how good it can be then work backwards from there. I know that all blades are not created eaually and all that jazz. Just show me the veiw from everst and I'll get myself there.

Well ... absolute best case you say?

Ok.

Imagine a shave so close it's like you never grew hair in the first place plus you've just had a steaming hot shower, used a top of the line, non soap, moisturising, ex-foliating facial scrub followed by a very light moisturising product of some kind AND achieved a state of Zen meditation in the process all at the same time.

You want the absolute pinnacle, I think that about sums it up.

Originally Posted by q31

Well hell, the mach shave is fantastic for me, it really is but I know it's not for everyone. I just want someone to describe to me in a manner that I can quantify how your very best shave felt. I've gotten lot's of contradictory advice over the past few months and I'm just trying to find out how good it can be then work backwards from there. I know that all blades are not created eaually and all that jazz. Just show me the veiw from everst and I'll get myself there.

When you start out its most likely going feel like a cheese grater. You will progress and get better at it, and eventually when you go back to your mach 3, your mach 3 will feel like a cheese grater. Then the true feel of the straight will show.

Learning straight razor shaving is like learning to ride a bike for the first time. When you can run, why would riding a bike be any better? As you learn to ride your bike and stop falling off, you realise...why would I run again? This is much better! Straight razors are much the same!

So while you cant get a good shave now, keep at it and in 6 months times re try your Mach 3 and tell us what you think then

But i would get your razor honed buy a pro first (just to make sure)

I noticed that you started a thread earlier with a razor that you couldn't get an edge on. Are you on a new razor now or are you still trying with that one?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...m-trouble.html

Originally Posted by q31

Well hell, the mach shave is fantastic for me, it really is but I know it's not for everyone. I just want someone to describe to me in a manner that I can quantify how your very best shave felt. I've gotten lot's of contradictory advice over the past few months and I'm just trying to find out how good it can be then work backwards from there. I know that all blades are not created eaually and all that jazz. Just show me the veiw from everst and I'll get myself there.

I used to get very good shaves from Cartridges, in particular, Mach 3 and Fusion. The answer to your question is yes, when you get everything right, the shave will be every bit as good. But as gssixgun has pointed out, if you need further help, then information on your razors and process would help.

Originally Posted by easyace

But as gssixgun has pointed out, if you need further help, then information on your razors and process would help.

The 'what type of razor' question has been asked for times now (5 including this post). This could could really help and i would put up a photo so we can see the bevel and spice wear etc.

There already has been a honemaster and some other very experienced guys who replied on this thread and they might be able to assist if you had a photo and brand of the razor and the procedure you are using to prep.

The pitted blade is a wade and butcher the new one is a Fromm. I bought the fromm new to use. I bought the W&B off of ebay to practice with. My stones are all Norton, 1k, 4k, 8k and the other picture is of my pasted strop ( chunk of balsa) which has 1.5, 1, .5 and .25 micron paste on it. That bevel that is on the W&B isn't really my doing. I had a gentleman from here check them out for me, there weren't quite what I'd expected when I got them back but they were better than how I sent them to him. So, that's why I'm back. =)

Both razors needs to be rehoned and will be better you switch. use wade and practice on fromm.
gl

What do you see that makes you say that?

The new Fromm's are a BEAR to get right, I don't care who you are, they are not in the easy to hone column..

I would set the Fromm down and step away for now and work the W&B...
Using the Norton system you have so many options, I would read a ton about the upper end pyramids and how to use them, they are very good for what you are trying to accoplish...
There are several Vids about using the Norton including one from me to look over and watch...

Anyone who hones is going to say this over and over, Bevel Bevel Bevel, work the bevel until you are POSITIVE it is sharp and complete, then move forward...
You are also pushing the harsh factor by using Diamond on balsa if I am reading that right, drop that out of the equation until you get a close comfortable shave from just the 8k finish... It honestly is very do-able many of us honed on just the N4/8 for a long time you would be surprised at the edges they can develop...

Also testing too much can abuse your face quite a bit so back off on the testing try just WTG and on the easy parts of the face as you work through this just a patch at a time should tell you quite a bit... No edge feels good to a razor raw face

From the bevel shapes both razors appear to have some warpage. I'm sorry for being blunt but as a newb these will be a challenge for you to hone. On the + side if you get them right you should be able to hone most razors.