Thread: first shave, only 4 cuts or so

I think he means "if it DOESN'T efortlessly pop hairs" then go for a few more 8k strokes. If it DOES, you should be good to go.

X

I like a couple of extra strokes on the 8k for good measure.

now ive honed and honed, dont really know hard to push it against the hone..
its like nothing happens. the shaving is getting better now. at what angle would you say you hold your razor when you guys shave? i also shaved my head, i only missed/couldnt really reach the spots behind my ears otherwise it went fine i think

You should be using a light touch now, followed by a really light touch, followed by using just the weight of the blade. Keeping the razor flat on the hone is part of the trick, give it a year of practice and it'll be easy.

I'd guess most guys use about a 30 degree angle. Some use 20 for the first pass and 35 to 40 on the second pass. Some use 10 on the first . . . in general 30 degrees is considered average. Anything over 60 and your risking edge damage and irritation.