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!

Hi and welcome to SRP from another UK new member

I've had 3 razors from IE now and they are all nice an sharp so don't think that's the problem.

With respect to keeping the lather warm, what I tend to do is use a large shaving mug and preheat it in a sink of hot water (along with my brush) while I'm showering, then, once the lather is made I reduce the amount of hot water in the sink to a few inches and sit the mug in that. That works for me without having a specific miss scuttle. However Steve Woodhead is a good guy (I bought a shaving mug for my dad from him).

Good luck
Jason