Thread: Just Getting Started

I just wanted to introduce myself. I have just completed the second shave and I just love the process...so relaxing. But, can anybody really explain how a really "shave-ready" razor should feel. Right now, it feels like my old double-edge and i thought it would feel different. Maybe my razor really isn't "shave-ready".

If you're getting shaves that equal a good DE shave on your 2nd attempt, I think it's safe to say your razor is "shave ready". It took me a few weeks before I got to that level with a straight.

My 1st razor was purchased as "shave ready" with the benefit of hindsight, I now know it wasn't.

Welcome to SRP!
It sounds like your razor is shave ready. With time and practice your shaves will get closer.
Be sure to check out the videos in the Beginner's section in the Library to help with you with the angles and grips.
And feel free to ask questions when you have them.

I'd agree with Peadar911 on his first point...A decent shave the first time out with a SR is great, and probably signifies "sharp enough", unless you were REALLY bad with a DE

Seriously, if it cuts hair, doesn't pull or tug and your face feels good afterwards, it's probably all good. Now the trick is to hang onto that edge and that technique for your next 10 shaves....good luck!

Most of us mess them up stropping badly, or do a worse prep and lathering job the next time, or....you get the idea!

Welcome. At this point it is almost impossible for the new person to be able to tell by shaving, however as others have said, if you are getting good shaves it must be. The ability for your razor to easily cut hair at or above the skin is often a good indicator. Often new people can't get a good shave from the best edge possible. It is all about technique at that point. If you have been DE shaving it is likely you understand blade angle and pressure more than the guys who start from a cartridge razor. I have to say if you have good shaves on your first and second tries congratulations.

I don't know if I am alone or not but... some of my blades feel distinctly different than others.

Do any of them feel like my DE feels though? Nope, not one bit.

Only goes to show how truly personal this endeavor is for each of us.

Hi and welcome. If you are getting DE quality shaves already your doing great and wont be long before you improve further. Good luck with your shaves

Hi & Welcome. It sounds like your straight razor is ok. If you were looking for a difference, there isn't hardly any at all except that I believe a well honed & stropped straight will give you a closer shave but that's just me.The difference you all notice is that you won't be using up blades like you normally would with a de razor or one of those newer 4 & 5 blade models. A straight razor will hold an edge longer if stropped right & you will spend less money on blades for any of the other models. Make sure you have been learning how to strop in the Library & utilize the beginners section. One bad stroke with a strop can dull your blade so make sure you are doing it correctly.

A belated Welcome to SRP
If your ever in the St. Paul area come over to my home for some honing, stropping, etc sessions.
So far this year 6 new guys have come over for some help so you would not be the first. ( I have had many more during the past 10 years.)

My contact details will be sent to you via PM

You're a fortunate man jetuxs to have a honemeister living near you who's offering assistance. If I was you I'd be arranging a visit! I was lucky enough to have a honemeister living close to me. An hour of his tuition saved me months of struggling!

There really are so many helpful, great people on this forum. Love it!