Thread: Another Newbie

I’ve been researching straight razor shaving now for almost a year and finally decided to take the plunge. Before I purchased a razor I bought a Simpson Emperor 3 Super Badger brush , a couple of tubs of Truefitt & Hill shaving cream, and also a Premium Paddle strop because I knew I would be needing it. I started shaving with the cream and using my old cartridge razor. Really nice I thought. I like the lingering smell of the creams. I couldn’t quite decide on a razor because I was looking for one was good, but also that I liked the look of. Probably not what I should be worried about, but that’s just me. I ended up buying a few other things including a RazoRock Pure Alum block, a lathering bowl , a Dovo brush and razor stand, and some Proraso blood stop gel.

Finally, I found a razor I liked and I purchased a new “Professionally Sharpened” Dovo Desert Ironwood Stainless 5/8” as well as Lynn’s video. I got it in and was really excited to start shaving with it. The scales didn’t look anything like the picture, but I guess it is what it is and I’ll just have to deal with it. The vendor I purchased from said that the razor was shave-ready and all I had to do was wipe the oil off and start shaving. Stropping was optional. So, after watching Lynn’s video and several other videos I found on youtube I decide it was time to try shaving.

I already had a shower earlier in the day so I just did the preshave by cleaning my face with the shave cream and applying a hot towel for several minutes. I didn’t strop the razor because the vendor said it was optional. The shave was somewhat successful, but it was not comfortable at all. It felt as if my hair was being pulled out of my skin. So, I thought maybe I didn’t have my whiskers softened up enough. Today, I took a shower before I shaved and stropped the razor, but had the same result. It just hurts when I shave with this razor. So, I guess maybe my razor isn’t as sharp as it should be? I don’t really know. Also, I was looking at the razor really close and I noticed that the spine has been ground down a bit and seems somewhat uneven. Is this small amount of flatness always present on new razors? I assumed the vendor would use tape when honing the razor and it would be pristine. I’m not trying to complain and call out the vendor or Dovo directly, I just don’t know if this is what I should expect as far as sharpness and condition.

I also know that I’m going to need a set of stones and I want to get some recommendations for that. I don’t really have a budget as far as this stuff goes and I was wondering what would be the best set to get. I know that Lynn recommends the Norton 4k/8k, but is that just because of the cost benefit? I saw a set of stones, “Shapton Ceramic on Tempored Glass “, and it looks like it has everything I would ever need, but I want to make sure this is what I need before I purchase it. Again, the price isn’t a big deal, I just want something that is good, will last and I don’t have to piece together later on when I need something else. I want to really enjoy the whole process from sharpen to shave.

Thanks,

Vince

If tape wasn't used it could have a very small flat spot on the spine from honing.
Tape isn't in everyone's repertoire, some don't even like it.
Where did you get the razor?
We see a lot of similar stories of people astarting out. Reread the wiki regarding your first shave, start on the sideburn area of your dominant hand.
You are likely using too much pressure. I know it seems like more will help, it will hinder.
Double check your angles. You may want to try by starting flat and raising the spine until it reaches two spine widths away or cuts well, which ever comes first.
This is just a start.

If the razor is from SRD it is sharp. No doubt. I would really look into the pressure that you are using and as I said start smalll. People once had to be taught how to shave, now you have us to teach you. Just take your time, you could think about trying this method every other day for a while.
You could also post your location and if there is a local member they may be willing to meet wqith you and help.

Good to know it's sharp. I'm not giving up yet and I'm gonna keep trying. I would definitely be open to instruction. I live in Kerrville, Texas.

I forgot, you may want to check the member map for someone close to you as well.

All good advice so far.

I've purchased 3 razors from there, for sure your razor is sharp, it is about angle and pressure and that just comes with practice. The best advice is to slow down and just do the easier small sections of your face for a few days.

With regards to the hones, there's no immediate need for those, I would concentrate on the shaving for a couple of weeks.

keep us posted.

Since you already jumped in deep with a killer Shapton system, you might as well get the Chosera 1k for setting bevels...

I'm sure your kidding because we both know I won't be setting bevels anytime soon. However, for learning purposes if was ever going to do such a thing would I need a Chosera 1k when the Shapton has a 1k?

If you already have a 1k you dont need a seccond

Tip from another new guy. Use short strokes. Unless your angle, pressure, beard prep and everything else are spot on long strokes will pull like crazy. Shaving with a straight is different to shaving with a plastic face scraper. Technique, and learning the contours and beard growth patterns of your own face really do matter. Take your time and don't be afraid if you need to finish up with a plastic fantastic while you get your technique down. In ye olde days a guy would learn most things gradually as they got their facial hair during puberty, not starting with a face covered in bronze wire and a lifetime of bad habits.