New sensations

My shaves have always been a little rough, but I have kept at it. I have been shaving every other day for 3-4 months I guess. I've been learning every time but 2 out of my last three shaves have been a real breakthrough. I had a new sensation of smoothness. I felt the hair being cut, but no scraping on my skin and no burning after. At first it was just for one stroke by accident. Then I got it for a whole shave but couldn't repeat it on the next one. I thought I got there by narrowing my angle, but that wasn't quite it. It has something to do with shaving pressure but not all because of that either. Now I can get the good shave every time. I just put the blade on my face and kind of "hang" it on the hairs. Then I "let" the blade come down, guided by my hand. Takes a little work to follow contours but I often shave my chin with the DE anyway for now.

-----Michael

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Now I can get the good shave every time. I just put the blade on my face and kind of "hang" it on the hairs. Then I "let" the blade come down, guided by my hand.

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Yes, indeed! That is an excellent way to describe the feel when shaving with a straight razor. It sounds like you are well on your way to mastery of shaving with one. Enjoy!

Jeff

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

My shaves have always been a little rough, but I have kept at it. I have been shaving every other day for 3-4 months I guess. I've been learning every time but 2 out of my last three shaves have been a real breakthrough. I had a new sensation of smoothness. I felt the hair being cut, but no scraping on my skin and no burning after. At first it was just for one stroke by accident. Then I got it for a whole shave but couldn't repeat it on the next one. I thought I got there by narrowing my angle, but that wasn't quite it. It has something to do with shaving pressure but not all because of that either. Now I can get the good shave every time. I just put the blade on my face and kind of "hang" it on the hairs. Then I "let" the blade come down, guided by my hand. Takes a little work to follow contours but I often shave my chin with the DE anyway for now.

-----Michael

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Well said! I'm in about as far as you, just starting my fifth month. When I went to my new, freshly honed, second razor recently it started happening as you describe. It's exciting after spending all these months with mixed results. I don't get any sting from my aftershave anymore because there's just no irritation. It's hard to put into words, the feeling of both control, yet allowing the razor to just do what it does by guiding it. Thanks for putting that feeling to words! Shave On!

It's great when you get a breakthrough! I've been plateauing for a little while, although I think my plateau has a little more to do with my honing abilities at this point :)

Yes, that is the way it goes. One day you are having difficulty and one day that stroke just works textbook fashion. As you continue to develop facility with the razor it gets easier and easier and the skills accumulate.

Well defined. All I can say for now is "I am jealous".

But practice makes perfect and that's the main point. One day will be my day :).

well done keep up the practice and your hair will jump off ur face from fear of your skill with the razor.

I think you might have experienced the difference sharpness makes.

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Originally Posted by ace

I think you might have experienced the difference sharpness makes.

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Probably also played a part, since AFDavis11 honed the razor for me.

--Michael