Thread: 43 shaves in

The razor is just brand new, and then one that is quite old. I have been using both alternatively. I have been stropping very lightly about ten or so time on belt then leather. The razor was purchased from SRD mid December. The angle I have been trying for the just something less more than flat. Certainly less than 15 degrees. I seem to do alright on the cheeks and even a bit on the throat. Not so much on the chin of course but working on it. I don't have a pattern that I use each time as some days I don't "feel it" so I change direction.

Originally Posted by okiwen

The razor is just brand new, and then one that is quite old. I have been using both alternatively. I have been stropping very lightly about ten or so time on belt then leather. The razor was purchased from SRD mid December. The angle I have been trying for the just something less more than flat. Certainly less than 15 degrees. I seem to do alright on the cheeks and even a bit on the throat. Not so much on the chin of course but working on it. I don't have a pattern that I use each time as some days I don't "feel it" so I change direction.

First, were you previously getting close and comfortable shaves with these razors?

Second, try increasing your strop counts. I'm not sure what you mean by "belt" - do you mean a material strop (like linen, canvas or webbing) or an actual belt? If you answer belt, please don't strop on it if you have the real thing. Anyway, most of us do lap counts around 30 material and 50 leather. My routine is 40 linen/60 leather, just as an example.

Third, normal shaving angle can be up to 30 degrees, perhaps more. You can try opening up your angle a bit and see if that helps.

If the answer to #1 is yes, and then #'s 2 & 3 don't help at all you will likely have to have your razors rehoned.

Keep it going Tyler. You're doing great.

I used my straight and my cartridge simultaneously for about four months. As I got more comfortable with the straight I did more of my face with it and less with the cartridge. There's no shame at all in backtracking to your previous hardware as you learn the straight. Or maybe there is, and I should be deeply, deeply ashamed.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's a long learning curve, and the slope levels out as you get closer to good. Eventually you'll be one of the poor souls chasing perfection, like most of us afflicted bretheren here.

Best wishes to you!

Originally Posted by roughkype

I used my straight and my cartridge simultaneously for about four months. As I got more comfortable with the straight I did more of my face with it and less with the cartridge. There's no shame at all in backtracking to your previous hardware as you learn the straight. Or maybe there is, and I should be deeply, deeply ashamed.

I wouldn't worry about it. It's a long learning curve, and the slope levels out as you get closer to good. Eventually you'll be one of the poor souls chasing perfection, like most of us afflicted bretheren here.

Best wishes to you!

To tell you the truth, I wish I hadn’t been so stubborn and had resorted back to a disposable while learning! However; it’s just not in my genes!

With that said, I’m glad that I’ve taken the road I have! My only regret is that I wish I'd hadn’t done it many years ago!

I'm also glad that Tyler is enjoying that Blade! Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades!

Well my technique is has gotten alittle better with stretching and I stopped using a cartridge razor. To clean up my neck or face which is amazIng it helps to adopt the scythe and guillotine strokes for my neck so it's so far so good I still have a lot to learn thanks for the great compliments

Truth be told Tyler I have been shaving for right at a year now, and I still have to clean up with a DE if I want a smooth neck. And I expect that I will have to continue to do this my whole life. The reason being is that the hair on my neck, on either side of my jugular, grows straight toward my ears. And to try and do a ATG shave with a straight razor is impossible. I have even been to the barber a couple of times for a straight razor shave, and he has to clean up that area with a DE. I have found that with practice I have gotten a little bit better at getting this area "smoother". But it still isn't perfect. Some of us guys just have some weird hair growth.

So don't give up hope. And there is no shame whatsoever in touching up with a DE.

Nathan

BBS hmmm

First and foremost, I don’t believe in the Baby Butt Smooth Shave! I know that I’ll be tried and hung for heresy but I personally believe that trying to achieve a 100% BBS is BS!

I have said time and time again that one needs to strive for a Smooth, Comfortable and Clean Shave!

I do a two pass shave, when I’m done, 99% of my face is indeed either BBS or very near it. If I run my hand up and down under my neck, it’s very smooth, however if I run it ear to ear in one direction I can feel a little stubble however run it the in the other direction and the feel is smooth.

Don’t drive yourselves crazy going after the ‘Perfect’ Shave! Strive for an Enjoyable Shave, one that you will look forward to each and every day!

I don't try to achieve a 100% BBS shave everyday. But it is something that I aspire to with much more practice. But there are certain times that I feel like I want to have a perfect shave. Typically on date nights with the fiancee. Generally I do a 3 pass shave that takes about 15 minutes. And like I stated above, I feel like 90% of my face is BBS.

I agree Roy I lOve just having a comfortable shave. I don't wanna get a bbs shave sometimes it's to much work hahaha so I'll go for a comfortable shave which I think is similar to a bbs