Thread: Discouraged

Another thing... Feather is ULTRA sharp, sharper than anything any honemeister can come up with and that changes the technique a bit. With a straight you do have to apply more pressure but don't overdo it either. If you apply the same amount as with the Feather, you won't cut much hair and if you apply too much, you'll irritate your skin.
Even though you have Feather/DE experience, to get a proper straight shave, when using a straight, proper technique is even more cruicial.

This is great. I'm just sitting back soaking up the advise.

Creams, I tend to use the 3 Ts. Also what I do is as a base I take a small dab and rub it into my face, like a pre-shave. Then apply the lather over top. Sometimes the Proraso Pre/Post.
I'll try some of those suggestions. For what it's worth I am starting to think that maybe my beard is tougher than I had previously though. Even though it's not thick or full.

Thanks guys.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but using a 30º cutting angle (tip leading, heel trailing) will reduce the pull. You may also be dulling the razor with stropping. Remember to go slow and be gentle on the strop. ... And go visit Ilija anyhow, he's good company.

X

Stay patient with the process. It really does take time to learn. I stuck with it for 3 years before I learned to hone, strop, and produce baby butt shaves with two passes, both downward. Now my skin is healed up AND I enjoy shaving much more. Was it worth the wait and effort? Well, the wait and effort was actually the fun part. Now, its kinda back to just shaving....LOL.

Most guys will pick it up much faster, and I'm not sure I envy them....

Alan's got it right on. I remember when I started shaving with a straight about 4 years ago. The first month or two was dreadful. It took about 3-4 months before I started getting reasonable shaves and almost a year before I got the ultimate shaves.

You have to just keep at it and not give up. I can guarantee that if you keep at it you will master it. Remember back 100 or so years ago everybody did it that way and if they all could so can you. Remember the more difficult it is to acquire something no matter what it is the more you will enjoy and appreciate it down the road. If its too easy it won't mean much to you.

Did you lap your norton? I keep harping on this, but I spent over a month with mine getting nothing but frustration and dull blades. Finally I lapped it and promptly produced a decent shaving edge.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Did you lap your norton? I keep harping on this, but I spent over a month with mine getting nothing but frustration and dull blades. Finally I lapped it and promptly produced a decent shaving edge.

Yes. All lapped up.