Thread: New member and lots of questions

Hello everyone. New member from the UK here.

I have done a lot of research and searching, this site is fantastic by the way, but I still have a number of questions/problems.

Here is the background. Straight razor shaving is something I have wanted to do for many years. I received a starter set from Invisible Edge for Christmas. The Invisible Edge web site says my razor comes shaving ready. The razor is their own branded 'classic' manufactured by Dovo. They do make a point of saying it is shaving ready in a number of places so I guess I should believe them. Here is the problem; the very first cut, on my cheek down to chin was very smooth. The next cut on my second cheek tugged a bit. The third cut, well it just didn't. I have stropped the blade and each time it achieves the hanging hair test so I think it really is sharp but I can get no more than one smooth cut and a second tugging cut out of the edge. I have persevered for a few shaves and tried different angles and have been improving my technique (I have a long way to go...). I have also gone OTT on the pre shave prep including conditioner and shaving oil but the result is the same. I am concerned that my beard is too tough. I haven't wet shaved for many years but remembering back to those day when I did try shaving with disposables I remember them becoming very uncomfortable part way through a shave and absolutely no chance of getting a second shave out of one. Even with electric razors the only brand that actually works is the philishave rotary razors, braun and others with the side to side action leave my face in a mess.

So to the specific questions
1. Is my razor 'saving sharp', it does pass the HHT but am I deluding myself?
2. Will things get better as my technique improves?
3. Does good technique extend the life of the edge? or is that down to metallurgy?
4. Will I get better edge retention if I spend more on a razor? (I didn't want to do this until I knew it was going to work for me)
5. Is my beard too tough? Is that even possible?
6. Should I keep going?

I'm looking forward to the advice.

Paul

Originally Posted by paulrbarnard

1. Is my razor 'saving sharp', it does pass the HHT but am I deluding myself?
2. Will things get better as my technique improves?
3. Does good technique extend the life of the edge? or is that down to metallurgy?
4. Will I get better edge retention if I spend more on a razor? (I didn't want to do this until I knew it was going to work for me)
5. Is my beard too tough? Is that even possible?
6. Should I keep going?

Welcome to SRP.
I'm sure you will find your stay here informative and fun

As to your questions:

1. It is most likely shave ready. I've heard many people state that they deliver fine edges. I've not experienced them myself though.
2. YES, getting good shaves from a straight takes time and practice. Your story sounds a lot like most of our own experiences
3. Again, yes. Good stropping, good prep and technique will make your edge last longer.
4. Not to the extent you might hope for. Most any vintage razor will shave splendidly, as will the new Dovo's. I have bought new Dovo razors myself, and have no complaints on their quality.
5. I've never met anyone with that tough a beard. Again, good prep, stropping and a shave ready edge will mow 'em down. no worries

6. Only you can decide on that. What I can tell you is that for those of us who persevered and kept at it, were eventually rewarded with the most wonderfully close and comfortable shaves.

Maneuvering a straight razor takes skill, skill that can be properly learned only with time, practice and patience.

You are early in your quest. Your situation is analogous to someone jumping into a race-prepped Ferrari who is disappointed to learn that his first trip around LeMans didn't result in a competitive time.

Your questions, all nicely stated, are typical of the experience of new shavers. With time, you'll find that it will all come together, but it is unlikely to happen until you have more experience.

Hi Paul,

Just wanted to say welcome to the site!!!

This like many things takes patience and practice! Lots and lots of practice just keep at it and before you know it you will be shaving like a pro.

I have been shaving now for about 5 months and I had the same questions as you did for the most part.

For the first few weeks my wife looked at me as if I had lost all my marbles. I had cuts and nicks and regular razor burn that needed local fired Dept. to come and put out...

But I did find my self getting better and better with each shave.

Happy New Year!!

Keep your blade sharp and your chin up!

Welcome to SRP, Paul!

To answer your questions:


1. Is my razor 'saving sharp', it does pass the HHT but am I deluding myself?
Hard to say. The HHT doesn't tell you anything on its own. But it's most likely a beginner technique issue.
2. Will things get better as my technique improves?
Yes.
3. Does good technique extend the life of the edge? or is that down to metallurgy?
Yes - not necessarily metallurgy related, though.
4. Will I get better edge retention if I spend more on a razor? (I didn't want to do this until I knew it was going to work for me)
No.
5. Is my beard too tough? Is that even possible?
No.
6. Should I keep going?
Yes!

Have fun,

Ryan

Only question you need answered is weather or not to keep going...Yes! Absolutely ! Few things Are as rewarding as what you learn and accomplish as you take this journey referred to by one of the other members as "the straight Road". You will learn with each shave. BBS or full of nics, each will teach you something valuable. Make it a point to continue to browse this forum and to talk and write about your experiences. It will help you and other nubees. The group of gentlemen on here all have struck me as as just that... Gentlemen. Courteous and forthcoming with there valuable knowledge. Most of all Have fun!
Good shaving sir!

Steve Dempster of Invisible Edge has a good reputation so I expect that the razor is indeed shave ready. I and many others had a similar start with straights but perverseness pays off. Blade angle flatter to the face, effective skin stretching and proper stropping were the parts that needed to come together to get a great shave.

I reckon that it takes a couple of dozen straight shaves to start getting half decent shaves. Just start off doing 1 or 2 passes then finishing off with a Philishave. I've not heard of anyone's beard being too tough but I suppose there could be a 1st.

I'd hang on in there if I was you.

Hi! Fellow newbie here and many welcomes to you. It appears the veterans here have really answered your questions, but I will add to not give up. You probably have a sharp razor, and just need to take time to prep your beard/take your time with the shave. Short strokes. Again, take your time and just enjoy the entire process from start to finish. Make the time to really just "be in the moment."

You'll have plenty of time to get totally hooked and make everyone in your life aware of how incredible this activity is.

Mike (Atlanta, GA)

Thank you all for the great welcome and excellent advice. I am persevering and have every intention of mastering this straight experience and I think today was a turning point.

I read some of the advice on strop preparation and gave mine the smoothing and hand rubbing treatment. I feel my stropping is getting better too. It is feeling more natural and I am getting a nice even swish across the leather. I got a lot less dragging today.

My foam experience was much more creamy after reading more about whipping it up and felt quite luxurious. I am using OSMA shaving soap and it seems to be working for me. How do you keep it hot/warm though? Maybe it's a speed thing but when i come to put more foam on it is icy cold, that can't be a good thing I think.

The comments about it being down to technique are so true!

Todays shave went very much better I have a couple of rough spots, in what for me are difficult to get at areas, under my jaw bone on each side. Apart from that I actually have a passable shave. I am now spending longer in the bathroom than my teenage daughters which is causing some consternation at home but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I would say SRP is an essential component of straight razor shaving.

Paul

In answer to keeping the lather warm. A scuttle is a way to keep the lather nice and warm through the shave. Not the vintage type but the new ones made by folks like Robert Becker. SRD sells a nice one and you can find lots of references to one called the Dirty Bird. You can also save some money and just set an smaller bowl in a larger bowl of hot water. Kind of works like a double boiler. Look through the forums. There is lots of info.
I find it just improves the whole shaving experience. Nothing like nice warm later on the face.

Karl