Thread: Shave number two

Well, I tried again today with some better soap. I bought some proraso white.

The soap is definitely better than the junk I was using, and I watched my angles. I still feel like I was pulling the hair out of my face. All in all I feel okay though, because I don't have any irritation now. So I think I came out a winner.

I mixed up some of my own pre-shave oil, and then moisturized after. I think that helped save my skin.

Patrick

Proraso white is excellent IMO. Sounds like the razor might be dulling or the angle is too steep. But you sound like you did fine. It gets easier.

Keep working on your lather and reading the articles on here in proper lather. It should help. You may also try an arm hair test to make sure it is cutting with ease. This can help you determine if your razor is dull or not.

I would recommend paying close attention to the amount of pressure your using. Very little pressure ... Cheers

That's good - it sounds like things are going in the right direction, at least on the irritation front. Now we just need to get the thing shaving properly.

Good suggestion from suits123 - see how it works on some arm hair. If it doesn't whip right through them, let me know and I'll give it a touch-up for you. It *should* be ok, but I wouldn't mind eliminating the edge as a possible variable in this...

And if it does its job and deals with arm hair easily, then you will have your first badge of honing honour: a mild case of honing mange.

Anyway, once we've eliminated the edge as a possible culprit, keep focusing on angles and stretching, and it will all start coming together.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

That's good - it sounds like things are going in the right direction, at least on the irritation front. Now we just need to get the thing shaving properly.

Good suggestion from suits123 - see how it works on some arm hair. If it doesn't whip right through them, let me know and I'll give it a touch-up for you. It *should* be ok, but I wouldn't mind eliminating the edge as a possible variable in this...

And if it does its job and deals with arm hair easily, then you will have your first badge of honing honour: a mild case of honing mange.

Anyway, once we've eliminated the edge as a possible culprit, keep focusing on angles and stretching, and it will all start coming together.

Well, it doesn't whip through them, it cuts them, but feels like it's pulling a little. I'm certainly not trying to blame your honing, it's more likely that it's just my inexperience.

Well, give it a few more tries and if it doesn't get better soon, let me know and I'll be happy to give it a touch-up.

I would describe myself as an advanced amateur when it comes to honing, and certainly not a pro. So don't worry - I didn't think you were trying to blame the razor, I'm just open to the possibility. I would just like to eliminate that variable if things don't improve.

Originally Posted by pitrik

Well, it doesn't whip through them, it cuts them, but feels like it's pulling a little. I'm certainly not trying to blame your honing, it's more likely that it's just my inexperience.

Try it again (arm hair test) after 30 canvas and 60 leather laps stropping. Make sure when you strop you take your time and let the razor and strop do all the work. Do not put any pressure other than keep it in the strop. Then only use pressure to glide it across. Not down on the strop. Keep the stop taught not tight. And you may get the amazing edge back.

You may already be doing it right but I know the biggest obstacle for me what thinking stropping is way to easy to screw up. And all the while I was doing more hurt than help to my razors

It gets better from here!