Thread: first shave, only 4 cuts or so

could i possible solve this problem by doing more stropping or should i hone first and then start stropping, i have a Spyderco UF-hone, just need to make it a little smoother, before i can use it. i can feel its not quite perfect yet.

Stropping will not sharpen a dull razor, it cleans and aligns the cutting fin on an already sharp razor so that it will shave properly. If 20-30 laps on the strop doesn't get a razor so it shaves well, then more laps won't help.

The spyderco ultrafine will work to get your razor shaving sharp, I don't use it but a few others on this forum do. Just remember to use no pressure at all on the hone, just the weight of the razor is enough. If you use more pressure it will remove metal faster but won't produce the fine edge that's necessary, so you'll just grind away your razor for nothing. If the razor is actually close to shaving sharp then a few laps should be sufficient.

You may want to check other threads here or in the honing/stropping forum. There was a similar thread recently. After that, read through the help files.

Welcome,

I think your jumping a little too fast into the shaving. Please consider purusing our files section and reading up on straight shaving. You can do some pretty significant damage if you don't know what your doing, why, how, or simply using a dull razor. You can even just ask a lot of questions, we'll answer them.

Take the time to learn all about sharpness testing and don't shave with a dull razor. Learn when and why to strop and hone. Study up a little on shaving strokes as well. One of the barbers manuals, say the 1961 version, in the help files would be the minimum reading before you begin stroking a razor to your face.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...d,19/Itemid,3/

I didn't listen to that advice originally and I've got the scars to prove it.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

I didn't listen to that advice originally and I've got the scars to prove it.

yea but now that you have the scars don't you feel like you have a badge of courage for all the world to see?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

yea but now that you have the scars don't you feel like you have a badge of courage for all the world to see?

I'd prefer if I didn't...
-Why don't you go straight buddy? You'll look like me, look at the clean shave!
-Yeah, but what about these scars?

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Welcome,


http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...d,19/Itemid,3/

im going to do some reading before i try it again