Thread: Frustrated Straight Razor User

I've been using the changeable blade straight razor for a few weeks and I constantly get cuts. I'm going to list step-by-step what I do when I shave so people can tell me what i'm doing wrong, because it's really annoying!

1. Every shave I change the blade on the razor/ I use Derby razor blades
2. I get a bowl and squirt a little bit of Proraso shaving cream, then wet my brush and mix into a lather
3. Then I use my hands and apply warm water to my face a couple of times
4. Then I use the brush and apply the shaving cream to my face
5. Finally I get the razor, stretch out my skin, and shave in a upwards motion against the grain

When I do it, the razor does not glide easily across my face. It gets caught on the hair. It does not cut the hair easily. It doesn't feel good. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

You should try shaving with the grain first, downward. See if that helps

By the way I could swear I saw this thread in the shaving forum and in the newbies forum -

I think I have to go to the optician tomorrow. I see things double.

Always go with the grain first, across the grain second, and against the grain third.
If you go against the grain on the first pass, he razor will pull significantly.

You may also want to try shaving right after a hot shower. That will help soften the bristles more.

Well, at least you know its you and not the blade that's the problem however you can try a different blade like a Gillette or xtl to make sure.

Watch your pressure and angle.

Besides what everyone else has said, your lather may be too thick. Proraso is extremely thick until you mix it just right. Try this out:

1. Put water in your bowl to clean out any dust, then dump the rest.
2. Squeeze an inch of Proraso into the bowl.
3. Add just a little bit of warm water to the bowl- maybe 2 teaspoons. Just eyeball it.
4. Completely soak your brush under the faucet with warm water, then flick out the excess.
5. Use your brush on the Proraso like it's cake batter and whip the hell out of it.
6. If it's too dry (no lather forming, it's flakey, nothing like Barbasol), add a little more water to the bowl.
7. If it's too wet, keep whipping.

Until you're a pro at lather, keep using an inch or proraso. It will make way too much lather, but it's also a forgiving amount. Once you get used to your proportions of water to proraso, you can cut down to the exact needed amount.

Also, don't change your blade every time. I find that shave number two is better with a DE blade. Good luck!

Depending how long you wait between shaves, you might want to get a slightly more acidic shaving cream, it will make the hairs stand up more allowing the razor to cut through them cleaner and with less effort. Good luck and stick with it!