Thread: Questions from an idiot

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

A picture's worth a thousand words. I wish I had a picture

When you look in the mirror, just pick... say 20-30 individual whiskers and focus just on them. Repeat until smooth. Stretching the skin really helps, and stretching so that the whisker stands up is really the key. So, as you learn more about your face, the angles and the direction the beard grows you'll have it BBS in no time.

Thanks! I can get a picture of that easily. And, yes, I am learning about the skin stretching so whiskers stand up (I'll have to be extra careful in some spots as it will put my fingers in front of the blade). Problem is, I'll need to lather my face in sections so I can get a good grip in front of the blade.

I've learned more about my face in the last 2 months than in the past 36 years. It's confirmed what I've always thought...I'm ugly

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Yes, thats correct. This is why your needing to return to the hone so often too probably. The second you stop your edge will dig into the leather and you'll be pulling it out of the leather sideways when you flip the blade.

You know, that makes such sense now that you explain it. I think we need a "Doh!!" smiley.

Originally Posted by steve

Thanks! I can get a picture of that easily. And, yes, I am learning about the skin stretching so whiskers stand up (I'll have to be extra careful in some spots as it will put my fingers in front of the blade). Problem is, I'll need to lather my face in sections so I can get a good grip in front of the blade.

I've learned more about my face in the last 2 months than in the past 36 years. It's confirmed what I've always thought...I'm ugly

I do my final pass against the grain with water only leading the razor with my stretching hand and moving them in tandem up my face. It's something I've done since my Trak II days so I'm perfectly comfortable with it. Others may not find it so easy.

X

Well, I touched up the razor last night on the hone and stropped according to all y'all's instructions (it wasn't exactly the prettiest thing to watch but I didn't slice the strop and practice will provide improvement). There was a remarkable difference. I don't know how to describe the feeling when I did the thumb pad test but I could tell that the different stropping made a noticeable difference in the edge. I want to say that it felt thinner but that isn't the right word.

At any rate, I shaved this morning with 2 days growth and from the first pass, I could tell a difference. I could hear the blade slicing through the hairs on my cheek. I did 2 passes (WTG, XTG) and finished up with just water for the ATG pass. I still have some spots that aren't completely smooth but they're the same spots I have always had trouble with AND I can tell that it's much closer than previous shaves have gotten them.

No razor burn and the witch hazel felt nice and cool and refreshing.

It was a little rough though. Not any pulling but just not as smooth a cut as I'd like so I think I will do a few more strokes on the Norton 8k and re-strop. I will be getting a wide bench hone from Tony soon with the Cr02 on it. Speaking of Cr02, where does one purchase it? I can buy the diamond paste from Classic Shaving.com but they don't sell Cr02.

Thanks guys for all the advice. You've made a dramatic improvement in my shave.

Strop the razor before you take it to the hone! This makes sure that the fin is sticking out nice and straight before you start taking metal off, otherwise your first stroke on the hone will actually dull the razor a bit.

Chrome oxide and boron carbide can be purchased from Hand American (www.handamerican.com). I got mine in the little chapstick tubes, just rub it around on your strop then smear it out with your fingers.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Strop the razor before you take it to the hone! This makes sure that the fin is sticking out nice and straight before you start taking metal off, otherwise your first stroke on the hone will actually dull the razor a bit.

Chrome oxide and boron carbide can be purchased from Hand American (www.handamerican.com). I got mine in the little chapstick tubes, just rub it around on your strop then smear it out with your fingers.

Good point! I had forgotten about this. How much of the Cr02 do you rub on and what is the grit equivalent?

very little - it scuffed the surface of the chapstic stuff and that was about it. I made a half inch crosshatch pattern then smeared it out with my fingers and rubbed it in for a few minutes. You can use it immediately but it seems to work better after a few days of drying.

Originally Posted by mparker762

very little - it scuffed the surface of the chapstic stuff and that was about it. I made a half inch crosshatch pattern then smeared it out with my fingers and rubbed it in for a few minutes. You can use it immediately but it seems to work better after a few days of drying.

Would you recommend the chrome and boron over the diamond paste?

Originally Posted by steve

Would you recommend the chrome and boron over the diamond paste?

It really depends on the razor. Generally I prefer the boron carbide over the 1 micron diamond, and the chrome oxide over the .5 micron diamond, except for Theirs Issards which have a strong preference for the diamond pastes. They all work, but diamond seems to be particularly aggressive and leaves a rougher-feeling edge. On most razors, chrome oxide leaves an edge that feels almost velvety on your face, it's really wierd and quite addicting.

Also, in response to an earlier question, boron carbide is about 1.3 micron, and chrome oxide is about .5 micron. However, you can get diamond in .25 and .1 micron sizes as well. At .25micron diamond leaves an edge that feels similar to chrome oxide (but is somewhat weaker). I haven't tried the .1 micron yet, but I'm definitely feeling the urge. I don't have a free paddle to try it on though. I may have to give Tony a buzz...

Not to put words in his mouth, but until Michael answers: I think he would. CrO2 produces a very fine smooth edge on most (many but not all, apparently) razors.

While I haven't tried diamond, I hear it leaves an edge that is a bit harsh

Cheers
Ivo

Ops, he already answered