Thread: First few shaves... and a few questions

There will be more experienced shavers and mentors along with better answers than I can provide; IMO it sounds like you could be using too much pressure. Other possibilities include stropping technique, lathering or preshave use. I know that all SRD razors are honed--bythe best, so I would look for the solution elsewhere. You might consider getting Lynn's DVD too.

I hope you get better and more enjoyable shaves soon. As I said others who can help more will probably post sooner than later. As still a sort of noob myself, there are many things to figure out when you first start, but it will come together in time. GL.

Yeah I just don't have money for that DVD after dropping $250 on the whole kit, but I have looked at youtube videos and read the Art of the Straight Razor Shave thoroughly. I only apply the lightest pressure and it feels pretty fine going with the grain, but going across the grain or against the grain is where I have trouble and the razor either gets stuck in my stubble or begins to pull, so I don't want to force it with pressure. The chin though, doesn't glide well any way that I try and I end up having to finish off the job with my electric.

I don't use any preshave oils other than the shaving soap that came with it, a hot towel, and shower. Maybe I'm not stropping very well either... I barely put any pressure on the blade when I do, and I do 15 round trips on the linen and leather each.

Much like talking to girls for the first time, it requires practice. There's nothing that replaces experience with a straight razor.

Expect some tug and pull going ATG for awhile, it'll happen until the blade feels confident in your hands. Don't get your expectations too high of how the shave should turn out. It takes most of us a solid 3-6 months before we can truly get BBS whenever we want.

Practice, practice, practice!

I wouldn't suggest going for 3+ passes for awhile. It'll take a bit for your skin to get acclimated to the raw power of a straight razor.

Hey there Johnny,

As Derek mentioned above, the straight shave requires diligent practice. As you shave, try to think about how it feels, rather than "what you're doing". In this I mean, if you accidentally drop the razor below 30 degrees but it feels smooth as you cut.....then that's the angle you need to remember. The difference is that experienced shavers have this memory, and they naturally vary the angle within the first second of a stroke.

Stropping well and taking your time to learn those movements properly will also help in both the feel of the shave, and the longevity of the edge.

If you need any one to one help, just drop me a PM.