Hello from San Francisco, + some concerns.

Hi all,

Just started straight razor shaving and got in a few shaves after lurking around this forum for a long time. However, there are 2 things that concern a noob such as myself.

Some background. I've shaved maybe 4-6 times so far, with a brand new 6/8 Dovo Best Quality set from SRD. I try my best to follow all the tips for beginners, including stropping before each shave. My first concern is that i have never cut myself. Now i know this maybe a good thing, but maybe i am stropping wrong and dulling my blade. I have not even so much drawn any sign of red blood, and i have even tried going against the grain with nothing but water. I am very careful, and stop at any signs of tugging, but i cut myself often with my gillette fusion.

The second concern is that i've developed some light black spots on the top of the blade near and on the spine. I noticed this after about a 5 day break from shaving. They are light and not raised embedded in. I try my best to dry my razor thoroughly and coat it with oil i purchased from SRD. Is this something i should be worried about? And is there any way to remove it?

Thanks!

I wouldn't worry too much about NOT cutting yourself...thats a darn good thing..lol. As for the black spots forming on your razor a pic might help us assess whats going on there.

Welcome to SRP. Get a metal polish such as Maas, Semichrome, Flitz or Wenol. Apply with a Q-tip and let it sit a few minutes. Wipe it off with a paper towel. You may have to repeat depending on the severity of the stains. If there is gold wash on the blade any of those will take it off so use caution if that is the situation. Can't say as far as if you're stropping right but if the razor is shaving well I would guess you are. As far as cutting yourself, you'll just have to try harder .:)

haha thanks for the advice. I guess maybe i am doing it right. I'll try to get pics up when i get a chance, but thankss for the replies!!

The black spots are most likely water spots, and every razor I have has them. As for not cutting yourself, that's a good thing. Don't get too complacent, though. Some guys go for a few weeks when learning before ever cutting themselves, and then all of a sudden its a blood bath since they weren't concentrating on the shave any more. As for myself, I was one of those that cut themselves every time they shaved for the first three or four weeks LOL.

NOT cutting yourself while getting good, comfortable shaves merely means you're doing it right. Way to get out of the gate! Don't worry though. Chances are you'll get cocky or distracted some day soon.

As mentioned, the water spots are also nothing to worry about. You can polish them away if you like.

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Here's a pic of it. The part near the sharp edge is just dirty water and some left over hair. Guess i should be glad im not cutting myself. Thanks for the advice!!