Hello,

My name's Mike, decided to get into straight razor shaving so asked for one for my bday. Folks ened up getting me an enzo blade with a little leather strop with some paste. So I took a hot shower, balmed up all excited to test it out, hurt like buggery! Which brings me here. I've tried shaving with it a few times, not sure if its the blade or my technique (have youtubed alot of vids on stropping/shaving etc) but it just doesnt seem to do the job. Feels like its pulling at the hairs, never gets a spot shaven in one go if i do manage to get a spot shaven - and did I mention hurts like hell? xD So I've tried a HHT and the hair just glides with the blade, when i run it over my nail it feels like theres a bite there so doesnt just go smoothly over, there's also that pressing it on my thumb test which just feels like im pressing something on my thumb? It cuts arm hairs off fine So I guess if I wanted bald arms I'd be ok. Any advice for a noob?

thanks
Mike

P.S I've found a uk site that does razor honing for like £18, but I fail to see why a new blade should be honed? Unless its that bad quality