A Newbie's Progress

Thought i would post a 'Progress Report' on my journey into the world of Straight Razor Shaving.

Started out by wanting to get into using straights, as I had read about the benefits to the skin of using a finely honed straight, plus I have a Knife Addiction that sees me playing with a variety of blades.:)

So I went on the 'Bay and bought a couple of blades, a strop and a set of Japanese waterstones.

Then I found this site.

Realised very quickly that I had wasted my money so far in my purchases :(

So, I looked at the various blades on offer through the honemeisters here, and bought a Boker from Joe, followed by others from Alex and Iwan.
I placed an order for a sample pack of soaps from Colleen, the DVD from Lynn, and read as much as I could on the site, while waiting for everything to arrive.

Over the last week, the blades started to arrive, and I felt I had enough information to give it a go.

First shave - not a total disaster, but not very good either.
Second shave - slightly better (less blood loss)
Third shave - no nicks, but not a close shave

I have now shaved everyday with a straight, and I must say that I am dissappointed :(

Through the site I have learned how to lather properly, and the importance of really hot water (things I never paid much heed to before), BUT...

I just dont get as close a shave as with my M3.

I think the reason is that I have always shaved against the grain with the M3, and I can't do this as well with the straight.

I am hoping that I will learn more when the DVD arrives, and I shall stick at it, but right now, I am tempted to go to a Merkur DE.

Does it get better, or have I been spoiled by the closeness of the shaves I am now getting with my M3 + utilising the things I have learned off this site?

For me it has gotten better.
Remember though that I do a 3 and sometimes 4 pass shave to get that close. It's MUCh better than the M3 now. I used to have very sensitive skin to the touch after shaving my neck. Now I have no problem with that whatsoever and my shave lasts longer and is smoother.

It just takes a while to figure out what works for you.

I'd say keep at it for a while and see how things turn out. It may take some time for both you and your face to adjust to the new shaving style before you get completely comfortable with it.

Also, I find that for straight shaving, you really need to to know all the contours of your face. Straight razor blades don't pivot like some of the modern ones do, so it's up to the shaver to determine all the best angles for each part of their face. Not only that, but, cartridge razors and straights have remarkably different ergonomic positions. It's going to be different moving your hand around your face in a whole other set of strokes, but, that's what practice is for :)

It definitely gets better. I had the same experience as you: straights didn't feel as close as the M3. But after about 2 weeks of persistence, and taking plenty of time to focus on technique, my shaves were at least as smooth as with the disposable.

I expect Lynn's DVD will help a lot. A couple of tips that helped me in the meantime: Just use hot water for the against the grain pass; don't underestimate the importance of streching the skin behind the stroke; keep a light touch; use decisive, longish strokes.

Don't worry, you'll get there.

James.

Frank,

It'll take a while for your shaves to get to the point where they're better than a Mach 3 can provide. I've been working on traditional shaving for about two months, between experimenting with a double edge razor and my straights. The DE was easier to get the hang of; I was getting better shaves than my M3 within about two weeks.

After a week of serious work on my straight techniques, I've seen a huge improvement. I can tell the straight will eventually provide me with closer and faster shaves than the DE. In two passes with my straight I can already do what it took three passes to do with my DE. Fewer passes means less time and less irritation.

Once you can do the against the grain passes with the straight, it's amazing. I've gotten some glassy smooth spots on my face with zero irritation.

Keep at it. I'd say give it about six months; be patient and enjoy the learning process. You'll never look back.

Josh

To echo Joshearl somewhat: it took me about six months before I was going "against the grain" on the third pass. For a long time, it was so bad that I didn't think it would ever be possible, even though I go easily against the grain with a Mach3, and even though my beard preparation is very thorough. Somehow, one day, it just started to work. Probably a major factor was just lots and lots of shaving practice.

I did get my first double-edge (DE) while learning to use a straight, a Merkur Slant-bar. At first it was even more harsh than a straight, until I learned to control the angle and pressure. But in a week or so, I had it under control, and would use the DE whenever I simply needed a fast, close shave. Now, I'm happy with both types of shave, DE and SE.

If you're using a professionally-honed blade, plus the other steps you've taken, then you're definitely off to a smart start, and I suspect the only ingredient lacking is just some time.

Hi Frank,

It will take time, the learning curve is quite steep with straights as there's a lot to master - but it should get better with practice. I would say it probably too me 5 to 6 weeks to get really comfortable with using straights.

I would wait for Lynn's DVD to arrive, and in the meantime try just doing 1 pass with the straight per day. Maybe shave one pass first with a DE or Mach3, then re-lather and do a second pass (still going with the grain) with a straight. With some bristles removed on the first pass, it should make things a little easier.

Also make sure to take your time over everything, including the preperation/lathering of your face and the stropping of the razor. It's no good trying to rush when you're learning. So maybe try evening shaves when you have more time, or just at weekends.

I really hope you'll be able to give it time and I'm sure you'll get the results you're looking for, when it all starts going right there's no feeling like it in the world. :)

If you give it a decent go for a few weeks and find you really can't get to grips (which I hope is not the case), I'd be happy to buy back the razor I sold you so you're not out of pocket. But I honestly think if you watch Lynn's DVD and are prepeared to stick it out for a while, you'll start getting great results and grow to love shaving with a straight as much as most of us here do. :)

Edit: By the way I find 2 passes going with and across the grain give me a really close shave, I personally have no need to go against the grain unlike with every other DE or cartridge razor I've used in the past.

It's a shame you don't live closer otherwise I'd have been happy to meet up for a chat/lesson, and pass on the small amount I've learned in the last few weeks.

Thanks Guys!

I needed to know that it will improve!

Iwan

Quote:

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If you give it a decent go for a few weeks and find you really can't get to grips (which I hope is not the case), I'd be happy to buy back the razor I sold you so you're not out of pocket. But I honestly think if you watch Lynn's DVD and are prepeared to stick it out for a while, you'll start getting great results and grow to love shaving with a straight as much as most of us here do.

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You are a Gent:tu I really like the razor, and I will be sticking with it, but I appreciate the gesture.

And if I can't make any progress (old dog - new tricks:rolleyes: ), then I might just motor on over to Swindon:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Effigy

Thanks Guys!

I needed to know that it will improve!

Iwan


You are a Gent:tu I really like the razor, and I will be sticking with it, but I appreciate the gesture.

And if I can't make any progress (old dog - new tricks:rolleyes: ), then I might just motor on over to Swindon:D

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Good on you Frank.

James

I'm at my 5th shave with a straight and it's way better than an M3 already. For the against the grain passes (which I can't do either yet) try doing NW -> SE like passes, I found those come closest to 'against the grain'.