Thread: New Dutchman here (so far no luck with straight razor)

Hi all,

My name is Marco, I'm from the Netherlands and 32 years of age. And I bought a straight razor because I wanted to cut back on the cosst of buying Gillette Fusion blades (even though they provide a fabulous shave, especially with shaving oil) but so far none of my attempts with a straight razor have proven succesful, even after having bought + read Christopher Moss' "The art of the straight razor shave" I just can not (!) get a smoooth shaven face.

I might try my late grandpa's razor, maybe it works better than the new one I bought recently when I decided to try using a straight razor. But so far, I only feel a burning pain and stubbles on my face / cheeks after using it, so I don't expect it will fare much better. I'm now stuck shaving with the Fusion blades after having hurt my skin with the straight razor (lathered with hard soap).

I'm thinking my beard growth is just too resilient for good results (beginning) with a straight razor. Makes sense?

Hi Marco,

Welcome to SRP! We're glad to have you with us!

First of all, read the SRP Wiki. Its full of useful information:

Straight Razor Place Wiki

Make sure you read the articles on the first shave, they will really help you.

Can I ask, where did you get your razor? A lot of places sell razors marked shave ready when they actually arent. A truly shave ready razor will have been honed by a honemeister by hand on a variety of stones to achieve the fine edge need to shave. Most factory edges are ground on a wheel and then stropped before shipping, so there is a huge difference in the edge.

I would advise you to send your razors off to a honemeister (check the classifieds for member services, as well as Straight Razor Designs in the US or Razor Sharpening UK in the UK) and have a pro hone it. You'll notice the difference right away!

You'll also need a strop, as well as some good quality soap or cream and a shaving brush.

I've not heard of anyone ever having too tough a beard for a straight razor, and it sounds to me like your razors probably need to be honed.

There are four elements to a great shave:

- A shave ready razor
- Good prep with a good soap
- Good stropping
- Technique

If you get all of these elements right, you'll get the best shave you ever had!

Dont give up! Once you have a shave ready razor you'll really notice the difference!

Good luck!

Hello, Marco:

Welcome to SRP.

Stuart has done a comprehensive and commendable job with his suggestions to help you solve some of your straight shave difficulties. Please consider his suggestions.

Remember, the initial shaves with the straight razor will not be remarkable. We've all been through similar difficulties in shaving with a straight razor. We have stayed with it, because the straight razor has become a passion.

Passion makes shaving with a straight razor worth the effort and patience. Good luck.

Regards,

Obie

I have to agree with the previous posts, there are so many possibilities that could be affecting your success, but once you get things right it will be worth the effort

Hi Marco and welcome to SRP,

The others have covered the topic about as well and completely as possible. I just picked up the straight razor in December and not being that far removed from where you're at now my first guess would be you have a dull razor. By all means have it sharpened by a pro and get a good strop. It makes all the difference in the world.

Pelkey

Phew, how many (helpful) replies, and actually rather encouraging too. I bought my ra]or at barbershopclassics.nl, to me it feels quite sharp, actually I've already cut myself with it, and running the edge along my nail reveals no ovre-honing. And I've also bought a strop, just no suitable honing-stone (or whatever) - [naive mode] I actually bought it on a sort of whim, thinking the strop was all that was needed to keep the knife sharp, not knowing or thinking about a honing object [/naive mode] I'll look into if they have honing items.

I have hard soap and a brush by Vergulde Hand (guilded hand - an old Dutch brand of shaving accessories/needs):

Razors bought at Barbershopclassics.nl are far from shaveready according to some other Dutch members. Once you've run a razor's edge over your nail it will need honing.

I also use 'De Vergulde Hand' (The Gold-Plated Hand) shaving soap. After you load your brush with soap you need a seperate bowl with added water to create lather. Otherwise the stuff is too dry.

Feel free to have a look at the BeNeLux subforum we have here.

OK, I think I've found out a particular trick: don't be too ambitious and try shave the whole face in one go. And shave in short strokes of ± 1".

Also, pulling the skin taut is necessary, I found that pulling my sideburn skin taut with my other hand over my head was not very pleasant. I was affraid that I might push too hard on my temples.
Now, I thought that I might combine these 2 points of concern and only shave the sideburn on the right hand side (I'm right handed) and only lather tha part of my face, so that I can pull the skin taut by my neck.

Originally Posted by Piet

Razors bought at Barbershopclassics.nl are far from shaveready according to some other Dutch members. Once you've run a razor's edge over your nail it will need honing.

I maeant I run the side of the edge / blade over my nail, rtying not to cut my nail, this way, I can see if it is overhoned, wobbly.

Originally Posted by Piet

I also use 'De Vergulde Hand' (The Gold-Plated Hand) shaving soap. After you load your brush with soap you need a seperate bowl with added water to create lather. Otherwise the stuff is too dry.

Originally Posted by Piet

Feel free to have a look at the BeNeLux subforum we have here.

I will!

Originally Posted by DutchMarco

Also, pulling the skin taut is necessary, I found that pulling my sideburn skin taut with my other hand over my head was not very pleasant. I was affraid that I might push too hard on my temples.
Now, I thought that I might combine these 2 points of concern and only shave the sideburn on the right hand side (I'm right handed) and only lather tha part of my face, so that I can pull the skin taut by my neck.

I pull my face up just at the top of my side burn, just about level with the top of my ear, its quite easy and requires no pressure or real force, and for me personally makes the skin on my cheek much firmer, and so easyer to shave with less irritation.

As for honing stoes don`t worry about those yet, learn to maintain your blade first before you learn to repair it,