Thread: Terrible first wet shave >.<

I got a J.S. Holler & Co which was imported to San Francisco, which is where I live. They stopped importing in 1915 and it says Made in Germany so I am guessing it has to be made between 1891-1915. I took it to get sharpening at a knife shop that says they hone straight razors. That was my mistake

I assumed she did a good job, and went about preparing my face like how I have read in this forum and started into my first wet shave. I felt a lot of tugging and pulling but I thought maybe I just didn't have the right angle or skill yet. So I kept at it, until I had at least 10 nicks on my face and terrible razor burn. It's bad....I don't want to even smile for fear of the pain.

After thinking I was doing everything right, and trying different angles. My beard was mostly still there! So, THEN I tried the hanging hair test and it cut the hair maybe once out of 20 tries and the blade's mirror finish is now mostly satin.

I'm not giving up though! I am sending it in to a honer I found on this site and hoping he can work some magic.

The nancy boy shaving cream and Kingsly badger brush did all they could do, but with a dull razor I guess nothing can be done.

The shop to avoid is Columbus Cutlery in San Francisco, in case any other SRP people are in the area.

That is good you send it in to get honed. It will be well worth the wait.

I know as you read the sentence "beginners should start on day 1 with only shaving the cheek" you begin to think: "eh, I'm just going to shave the whole face". But this is the reason, especially when you don't have a properly honed razor. It allows you to see what the razor feels like. And allows you to get the hang of what angle works. Keep at it you will be getting great shaves in no time!

But patience is key and keep in mind work up to the perfect shave, or you may shave a few too many layers of skin off! Also get a good aftershave. I prefer an alcohol based one as it helps heal the skin and keep in moisture. Good luck!

Knife sharpening and razor honing have only two common points, bevel set and creation of a sharp edge. The degree of edge refinement is on different levels.
The technique used is also different. When you get the razor back you will see what a properly honed razor can do.

Elliott,

That's a nice looking razor!! I don't see much, if any hone wear on the spine, and it's a nice gentle smile on the blade. It should shave really well, when properly honed!! As you've already acknowledged, a knife sharpening service isn't usually the best place to take a razor. They have good intentions, but just don't understand the process for honing a razor. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference when you get your razor back from one of our vendors or members in the classifieds.

Anyway, Welcome to SRP, glad to have you on the forum. You'll find a treasure trove of information and help here. Be sure to read through the wiki, linked below in my signature line and the search function at the top right is invaluable for finding specific threads and answers to questions. If you can't find it, or just have a question, ask away. Enjoy, and again, Welcome!!!

Howard

Yeah, that's exactly what I did. I guess I was too impatient. I got saint charles shave's aspect aftershave but it's still in the mail.

And thanks! I picked it up for about $35 which I don't think is too bad, and it had more value to me because of the city.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Elliott

I agree with Howard. At least they haven't wrecked it & the geometry looks good in the pics.
Next shave should be a good one.