Thread: I'm new....

I also use a Double Duck. I have had it since back in the 70's. 1970's that is.

You've come to the right spot! This site is the best on the net for information and resources on the lost art of the straight razor shave. I'm relatively new at it, too. I'm into my second month. I will whole-heartedly stand behind 'spender's comments about patience. Two months in and I'm just now starting to find somethings that work and somethings that don't. My face is the first thing to tell me when something didn't go quite right during a shave. That's one of the good things about straight razor shaving...immediate feedback. LOL

You mentioned in your post about having oil on your blade. Did you purchase your razor brand new? If so, I would advise that you send it to one of our honemeisters (Lynn, Randy, David, etc. - please forgive me if I've left anyone out) for a good honing. If you haven't had them honed, I recommend you do. My two "out of the box" razors didn't have a shave ready edge (although the packaging said they were) and my face suffered for it. Once they came back from Dr. Abrams, I was enlightened to how enjoyable a straight razor shave can be. I've found that a shave sharp edge actually helps me in developing my technique because it forces me to slow down and be patient and to reduce the pressure while shaving.

Before this post becomes a novel, I'll say again welcome from one newbie to another. Don't get discouraged. Keep at it. Rome wasn't built in a day. You'll read many times out here that it's a journey, not a trek. Anyway, good luck, enjoy the experience, and happy shaving!

Jeff

Thanks Jeff and all the others that have welcomed us newbies. I know it will take time. I've had some good shaves with my disposable striaght so I'm confident that I will be able to learn, with patience, to use a keen straight razor.

I enjoy the process of shaving now, not like before where it was a chore that just had to be done. I also am looking forward to learning how to hone my razor. Getting a good razor from one of the honemeisters is the smart way to start, but I have to learn eventually to maintain my own razor.

Looking forward to that process and getting all the great advice that I'm sure I'll need along the way.

Did you get your razor from Lynn yet?

Actually no. I sent him payment via paypal on 10/26 but haven't heard anything from him since then. I assume that he is busy and I'm sure it will show up one of these days

I also purchased a razor from Tony and he said it should ship this week. So I'm looking forward to getting these!

I believe Lynn is out of town for the time being.

Randy

Welcome to the group! (sorry it took so long! )

Thanks Pappy, good to be here...

Yeah, my blade is new. Haven't sent it out to get honed though, Guess I'll do that soon. As it is it seems to take about 6 strokes and I still don't have a clean shave (though I am still learning all aspects so it could easily be a combination of poor techniques). Is there anyway to test to see if it needs to be honed other than the quality of shave?

Also, just picked up some mineral oil and some rubbing alcohol for the blade. (I have been using rubbing alcohol on it, but I had borrowed it from a friend) Have to say, this has been a great resource for all the info I have needed.

Originally Posted by The Dragon Master

Is there anyway to test to see if it needs to be honed other than the quality of shave?

There is, of course, the infamous hanging hair test.
Take your freshly stropped razor and a clean hair from your head and SLOWLY bring the hair down onto the razor's edge to try and cut it. If it pops in half at all points up the blade you're good to go. If not, you need a honing.

X