Thread: Straight razor trouble?

Hello,

Let me first say this site has been very helpful as a non-member, but I had to become one to address a few problems I've been having.
First, I have been shaving with a safety razor for just under a year now. Before I even put safety razor to face I read Michael Ham's book, Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving - Sixth Edition: Shaving Made Enjoyable. I even go back to it from time to time for extra tips and tricks. The whole reason I got into shaving with a safety razor was to get the angles right and work up to shaving with a straight razor, so a few months ago I purchased a Dovo Diamant and strop from Straight Razor Designs. I then did some research and stropped the blade and lathered in all the methods I have been using for a year (shower, pre shave soap, lather and shave) and the only way I was able to not get a horrible tugging was to do one pass with the safety razor then move to the straight. Even after that it still was fairly tuggy. Now, when I receive a razor from this site its already honed. However, is it possible to require a sharper hone? With a safety razor I use Feather blades because with my thick beard they were the only ones that got through my stubble without tugging. I know feather blades are some of the sharpest out there - is my razor not sharp enough?
Also, what do you use the nylon side of the strop for? If I used this instead of leather would it help?

Hi and welcome. If you got the razor from SRD it should be sharp enough and it will more likley be an angle/pressure issue. The swap over is easier from the de but it will still take a bit. The nylon is the equivalent of linen. Do 25 passes on nylon then 50 leather as a base and see how you go. If you think it needs more add more passes. Maybe check out the stroptober thread in the stropping forum as it is possible to blunt a blade by stopping incorrectly. Good luck and let us know how you go. Ed

Welcome to the forum! I am new to straight razor shaving myself. You will find that this is one of the most friendly and helpful forums out there.

It is moist likely that the problem is your shaving technique. Try different angles and less pressure. If your razor actually is not sharpe enough, check out your stropping. I have having some problems with my stropping myself. Bad stropping can actually dull your blade, and in that case you need to get it honed for a touch up.

Regards,
Jacke

The only things, other than what has been said, that I can think of are direction of growth and stretching.
Have you figured out which way the grain is on the various bits of your face?
Do you stretch your skin to pull the hair upright?
I would think that this was covered in the book, but I haven't read it so I don't know.
I would also reiterate angle, do you keep the spine of your razor close to your face? 2 spine widths seems to be a good guide.
All the best
Ed (the other one)

I had the same problem. I agree that changing the angle should do the trick. Make sure you don't force it you will cut yourself (I cut myself). Try a different razor just to rule out sharpness. Good luck

i have more of a problem on the left side of my face, it all seems very awkward on that side with the way your supposed to hold the razor and whatnot.

+1 to what Ed said.

Are you stretching your skin, both with your hands and by positioning your face?

Originally Posted by superjet800

i have more of a problem on the left side of my face, it all seems very awkward on that side with the way your supposed to hold the razor and whatnot.

Are you using your right or left hand?
I use more grips than Zsa Zsa Gabor used men when I shave.
You need to find what works safely, comfortably, and consistently for you.

Originally Posted by superjet800

a few months ago I purchased a Dovo Diamant and strop from Straight Razor Designs. I then did some research and stropped the blade and lathered in all the methods I have been using for a year

Improper stropping technique could also be part of your problem. Your post makes it sound as though you may have stropped your razor before shaving for the first time. A blade newly received from SRD should be "good to go" right out of the box. If you stropped it before your first shave, chances are you could have rolled the edge and dulled it before you ever got the opportunity to experience a really sharp, shave ready edge.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by pfries

Are you using your right or left hand?
I use more grips than Zsa Zsa Gabor used men when I shave.
You need to find what works safely, comfortably, and consistently for you.

Zsa Zsa Gabor? Could you have found a less current reference, like "henry the eighth had wives"
Only messing with ya pat.
Superjet800:
I shave left handed, and I do change grips a bit too, though not that many I don't think.
It can be a bit awkward at first, don't worry too much about the smoothness of the shave, worry about not cutting yourself, and comfort.
The smoothness will come, as will the best and most efficient grips for your face and growth pattern.
Have you watched any shaving videos, yes I know it sounds a bit weird, but physically seeing what people are doing will make all the bits of advice make sense. There are videos by people with all different face shapes, and growth patterns, so between a few of them you should pick up some good tips.