Thread: Greetings from Little Rock

Hello all,
I live in Little Rock, AR and I am 35 years old. I have been looking into Straight Razor shaving for a couple of years due to a few factors:
1: I like the nostalgia of the whole process(I used to be fascinated by my grand father using one)
2: I heard it was better way to shave for those of us with sensitive skin(I get really bad bumps on left side of neck and left cheek.)
3: I like learning new things
4: Seems like it would be a relaxing, lasting ritual to my morning 3 S's

Well my lovely wife surprised me about a week ago with the whole set up. So I checked out a couple how to's and jumped right in. I have managed to shave every day for a week and not cut my face to ribbons. In fact the only cut I have sustained is 1 on my chin while turning razor without lifting of face enough. Thus far I really enjoy the entire process and look forward to continuing to learn as I move forward.

I am looking for advice on technique though, I am able to do my neck, jaw and cheeks easy enough but I am really struggling with my upper lip and the middle part of my chin(the bulb?) I was looking for any advice on getting these areas I can't seem to get all hair removed with out using a safety razor or going over it 3-5 times(which cause really bad irritation)
and I am also having an issue with the razor already feeling as though it is pulling more than it did when I started.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I pull the skin on my neck off to one side then the other. You also should map your beard growth pattern at least mentally. Sometimes going across or against the grain is the only direction that seems to work

Remember, no pressure. Reduces most irritation. As for the razor, it is easy to dull with less than perfect stropping. It can sometimes be brought back to shave ready with crox or diamond paste and proper technique. If that does not work it will need to go out for honing

Welcome to SRP Batsmurf: These three videos on youtube helped me with my S.R. shaving technique. Search for the ten minute three pass shave, the three pass shave, and the Lynn Abrams SR. shaving video. Learning to shave with a S.R. is an acquired skill. You will need many shaves under your belt before you feel your making progress. "Stay the Course" It's a very rewarding feeling of self accomplishment.

Thanks,
I have have watched the how to video Lynn has on you tube, I think that is why I have managed to not cut myself more than once. I just have lots of trouble with the "bulb" of my chin. I will do as you say and stay the course. I will have to invest in a new strop though because I messed up this morning and turned the blade the wrong way and sliced it half way through, I have read a lot on the learning curve also. As far as honing a blade does anyone know of anyone in/near the following towns( I travel a lot and spend a lot of time in all of these towns) that I could go to
Little Rock, AR
West Monroe, LA
Shreveport, LA
Russelville, AR

Honing is just as close as your post office. Tc. Welcome

Hi and welcome. For strops I would recommend the SRD ones. They have replacement pieces so if you do damage it you just need to buy the replacement which is much cheaper. Would definitely get a re hone after taking out the strop like that. Most post it off and I think they say it takes about a week which is why 2 is recommended so you always have a spare. Sounds like you are doing well and it just takes time to get it right. I have 1 spot on my neck and have only just got it right after trying something new all the time. Was good but now is great but sure did take a while. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask