Thread: Big thanks to DFriedl for my first straight razor shave.

DFriedl volunteered to take a complimentary whack at sharpening the Double Arrow full hollow straight that had been gifted to me. He send it back to me much quicker than I expected and I proceeded execute my first (2 pass) straight razor shave with it. It took the hair off nicely, and I got a close easy shave with it. Had a little bit of trouble but attributed it to my inexperience. Had some weepers, but thats no different than when I try to get too close with the DE. I waited to say anything till I got back my Lynn honed W&B wedge, so I could compare the shaves between the two. Lynn did a beautiful job, but I expected him to of course.

A full hollow vs a wedge. The wedge I found to be a degree smoother and perhaps that is only due to the difference in the blade profiles. I like the rounded tip of the Double Arrow, nicked my cheeck with the point on the W&B wedge..but I definitely like the heft of the W&B. Dfriedl definitely did a quality job, smoothed out things I didn't even know needed smoothing. Got something I was under the impression was a piece of junk to shave ready status, out of pure generosity. Thanks a ton bro.

I definitely need a lot of practice, and need to keep from getting ahead of myself. Not going anywhere near the neck ATG pass, which for me is sideways for a long while. I feel confident with the rest if I take is easy, but then I have less to contend with than avg, with a chin strap beard and soul patch that keeps me from having to contend with the harder areas. Cheeks, upper lip, throat. Then I do my scalp with the double edge. My biggest hurdle is going to be figuring out my grip. I'm all over the place with that.

Awesome!

Congrats to you, and dfriedl!

Michael

I love this community. So many great people helping each other out.

Good job Nonstickron and DFriedl!

No problem bud. I didn't know you were gonna put me up against the big guy, though! The edge I put in delivered a comfortable shave, but Lynn has forgotten more about honing than I know, so that may have something to do with the difference in smoothness. Enjoy them both!

Glad things worked out for you.

No, the DA isn't a piece of junk. The reason we aren't thrilled about it is because the razor quality can vary so much. They can range from needing moderate work to huge work to get them shaving and often times only give a minimal number of shaves before needing more work again. Then there are the cosmetic issues with them. As long as you understand that and accept it and feel it's an equitable exchange for the price you pay then you are ahead of the game. it's a razor that's right for some and not right for others.

Originally Posted by DFriedl

No problem bud. I didn't know you were gonna put me up against the big guy, though! The edge I put in delivered a comfortable shave, but Lynn has forgotten more about honing than I know, so that may have something to do with the difference in smoothness. Enjoy them both!

Sorry man, its the only bar I have to hold your work up to.

The wedge may have been smoother cause it was a wedge or it may have been due to the masterwork of our resident mascot and superhero. Probably a little of both. heh

Still for someone for whom I can still dig up "learning how to do this" posts, you did a damn fine job.