1st shave great, 3rd Not so much

i bought a brand new boker form straight razor designs and it was stated that it was shave ready. I shaved the first day and didnt have many problems, except my neck area. i tried last night for my 3rd shave and holy crap, it felt like my face was being dragged and started to burn on my cheek so i switched to mach 3. My face feels dry after i am finished shaving with straight razor. I dont know if i bought the wrong soap disk or what, but i just purchased Prarosa green shaving soap to be sure. This will replace the coconut soap i bought on the internet. Do i need to sharpen the blade already and how do you stop extreme razor burn. I have a somewhat thick dark beard, and i am thinking of just getting a safty razor if this keeps happening. need suggestions?

Couple questions?
1. Have you ever used a straight or shavette before?
2. How was the second shave?
3. Did you strop the blade?
4.If so how many laps did you do?
5. Did you nick your strop?
6. Have you ever used a shave soap before?
7. If so have you ever used an Italian shave soap before?
8. Does your lather dry on your face while shaving? ie. does it become flakey and fall off if touched?
9. Does your lather disappear on your face with in a couple minutes?
10. Have you mapped your fave to know which way your hair grows on different parts of your face?

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Originally Posted by cbossier13

i bought a brand new boker form straight razor designs and it was stated that it was shave ready. I shaved the first day and didnt have many problems, except my neck area. i tried last night for my 3rd shave and holy crap, it felt like my face was being dragged and started to burn on my cheek so i switched to mach 3. My face feels dry after i am finished shaving with straight razor. I dont know if i bought the wrong soap disk or what, but i just purchased Prarosa green shaving soap to be sure. This will replace the coconut soap i bought on the internet. Do i need to sharpen the blade already and how do you stop extreme razor burn. I have a somewhat thick dark beard, and i am thinking of just getting a safty razor if this keeps happening. need suggestions?

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How long did you wait between shaves? Because if you tried shaving your whole face three days in a row, then I'm not surprised you have razor burn. Try going a little slow and just do part of your face at first.

Are you stropping before you shave? Without stropping, your shaves will get less comfortable. If you strop poorly then you can dull the razor.

Your face may feel a bit dry after shaving. Use a nice aftershave balm, or some good moisturiser.

Don't try sharpening it just yet. Give your face a 1or two day break then try again. This time just do the easy parts and see how it goes.

It takes a while to get comfortable shaves with a straight. Giving up now would be premature.

Michael

Be patient it will come. The above two posts are really good questions to start with. Other than the technical aspects of your shave you need to relax (hard to do with a razor on your throat, I know) a bit and enjoy the moment. It may take a bit to find the right soap / brush / blade sharpness combination that works for you. This hobby we all share is very different for everybody. Your face, your products, your razor are not the same as anyone else. After about a month or so you will have a really good idea of how it all fits together for you. When it does come together, that moment of Zen will be all you think about every morning you shave for the rest of your life. Enjoy the process.

My key tips
1. light touch with the razor
2. prep your face properly
3. Strop, strop and strop again until you find your comfort level. you shouldn't have to hone your blade for awhile if it is shave ready as long as you strop properly.
4. Give yourself at least 2 months before you are proficient with the system that is right for you.

keep in mind - the razor burn goes away after you learn your face, throw away all the bad habits you have formed from using a cartridge, light touches with the blade.

I have never shaved with one before. The soap was thin at first but learned how to

I have never shaved with straight one before. The soap was thin at first but learned how to properly lather. I haven't stropped the blade yet. I also haven't gone against the grain either. I waited ab two days in between shaves. I have never used Italian soap before just read good reviews. I had razor burn on my neck at first but the second and third it was on my cheeks so I stopped. Feels like it is pulling my face hair but cuts through arm hair like butter. What is a good strop? I got one called hashir made in Pakistan. Prob not a good one. It has smooth leather and extra one with canvas on both sides.

cbossier how do you prep for a shave?

I think thats just how the SR newbie experience goes.. Ive done about 50 shaves now and sometimes its amazing, smooth, and feels great. Than i go for shave number 45 and its exactly what you had.. I call it just not knowing what your doing yet.. Word on SRP is that it takes time.. On a good note the bad shaves are happening less often.. Keep at it and it will all come together.. Hey maybe you can even get hooked on it and start buying more lol.. They are very addicting

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cbossier13

I have never shaved with straight one before. The soap was thin at first but learned how to properly lather. I haven't stropped the blade yet. I also haven't gone against the grain either. I waited ab two days in between shaves. I have never used Italian soap before just read good reviews. I had razor burn on my neck at first but the second and third it was on my cheeks so I stopped. Feels like it is pulling my face hair but cuts through arm hair like butter. What is a good strop? I got one called hashir made in Pakistan. Prob not a good one. It has smooth leather and extra one with canvas on both sides.

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You need to strop the blade every time before you shave.... :beer1:

I prep by washing my face with regular soap. I use warm water then just apply the shaving soap with a badger brush.

To me the prep is what makes my shave an experience I want to repeat or not. Really course hair in my opinion needs to be soaked good and hot to soften it up. If you are like me, I take a shower before and I have way better results from my shave. Proper technique is also an important factor. Keep that blade about a spine length from your face. You have to stropp that bad boy to keep it keen. Look at the edge. Is it damaged. Is it absoultely striaght still. If it is, strop it properly and give it another go in a couple of days. If not send it in to get honed. Let your face heal up. Use a nice balm. The trick here is do what works for you. We can only tell you the absolute musts. Properly honed blade, stropp it properly, prep as much as you need to get your hairs softer. You may feel inclined to read some of the library here on the forum. It is packed with alot of good information. If this is your first couple of times shaving with a straight, start there. This ought to help- Good luck

Just as I thought.

You need to strop your razor. But first you need to toss the Pakistani strop and get a fine USA or euro made model.

Strips are available from any place that sells straights. While waiting for the strop you can read and watch vids of how to use it.

Michael