Thread: Hi from John Clayton, a New Zealander living in Switzerland

Hello Everybody!

In the last 6 hours since I asked the question "I wonder how to use a straight razor?" - I've discovered the SRP gold mine - and have begun to read this sites wiki, I've gone through much of the FAQ, browsed the user groups, scanned the classified ads and even watched a couple of videos in German of how to prep lather and shave (Rasurpur).

I'm very taken with the idea of a straight razor shave (for multiple reasons which for the sake of brevity I'll leave out here).

After reading these last few hours - straight razor shaving seems simple in principle, but complicated in practice, a bit like swimming. It seems like many small pieces have to fit together in order for the experience to come out right.

I'm the sort of guy that can become attached (perhaps a little obsessive) about things when I [finally] decide to do them properly :-) Hopefully I can use that to my advantage.

So I've decided to give it a go - and as my first step thought I'd say "hi" via this forum. My plan is to order a starter set (Straight Razor and DE Razor Set Offers), and while that's in the post - to continue reading and learning.

I've got some immediate questions before I begin; and any answers or help would be appreciated. If you feel I should put these questions in another thread, please let me know.

I am interested in receiving hints and tips you think might help me on my way, or criticism of anything I suggest here - I won't be offended.

In no particular order:

1. Tools
I believe my best course of action is to get the right tools, in the form of a starter set - without much attention paid to the razor itself except that the blade should be properly (really really shave ready) prepared and I should not skimp on good soap/cream.

I have no intention of purchasing a collectors item for my first razor.

Is anyone able to confirm that razors bought from Rasurpur are SRP "shave ready"? It appears to be the case, but some further affirmation would put my mind completely at rest - seeing as an experienced manual honing seems to be a #1 factor in first-shave success.

For now; I'm going to ignore the honing skill - and focus on obtaining a pleasurable experience. I'll get someone else to hone it the first time I think.

2. Stropping
Also; assuming I have received the blade in the post - I have read that I should be cleaning the blade of oil, then stropping the blade before the first shave - but I wonder if due to my complete & utter lack of strop experience I'll end up dulling the blade somewhat before experiencing the first shave - any recommendations here?

Should I simply use a feather light touch that isn't slow? (how to do that properly without ever having done it before seems an oxymoron in itself).

So far I've not spotted any guides that might show me the weight / pressure ratio I'm looking to achieve for a daily/normal strop. E.g. using a strop, take a credit card and place 2mm of its edge on the strop - if you can bend it at all, that's too much pressure. Of course - that's a hard one to judge; because how thick is your credit card, where are you placing your fingers etc etc.

All I'm looking for is a kind of "feeling guide" that would indicate too little or too much pressure - maybe I've just not found the right wiki/forum page yet.

3. Local Barber Shop - where to experience this
I'd be keen on knowing if anyone else in the area of Rapperswil, Swtizerland knows where I can obtain a good straight razor shave so I can feel what its like. It'd provide a nice reference point for the end result that would be repeatable.

4. Beard length for first shave
I wet shave with a normal safety razor already, and only ever after a shower. I find that when my beard is shorter then a new/sharp blade gives far better results. This makes me curious about beard length + straight razors.

For a straight razor shave - is it generally better to have a longer or shorter beard? I'm wondering if I should let it grow to any particular length before giving this a shot?

I'm intending to follow Lynn's advice and shave the different parts of my face on successive days - I do not have the feeling that I have a stop-watch attached to my personal performance schedule and that I have to achieve it all in 24 hours (thankfully).

I shall leave my post here - I don't wish it to become overwhelming and too long.

I will continue to read the forums; and hope to learn from, prepare for and then finally *enjoy* what appears to be a fascinating experience in the not too distant future.

--
John Clayton
Rapperswil, Switzerland

Originally Posted by johncclayton

In the last 6 hours since I asked the question "I wonder how to use a straight razor?" - I've discovered the SRP gold mine - and have begun to read this sites wiki, I've gone through much of the FAQ, browsed the user groups, scanned the classified ads and even watched a couple of videos in German of how to prep lather and shave (Rasurpur).

Hi!
Welcome to SRP.
That right there is a fine start

let's get to the questions, shall we:

1.
I have not bought from them myself, but my understanding is that, yes, they do!
From what I've read Martin knows his stuff

2
I suggest to just wipe the blade clean and then shave without stropping for this first shave.
That way you won't ruin it before you get a feel of how sharp it actually is.
Check out hi_bud_gl and AFDavis videos on stropping. pretty much the best I've seen out there.
Stropping is something that takes a while to get right, reading the threads and watching the videos on it is my best tip.

3
If there are any, someone will surely chime in with some answers

4
This is one of the true beauties of the straight razor shave. Beard length don't matter one bit. No clogging regardless of beard length. Just make sure the prep is good, use short strokes, and you will mow that hair right down. IME.

My shaves are equally good regardless of the elapsed time since my last.
I must say though, it's a lot of fun tackling a few days growth

I'm glad you joined us here at SRP.
Keep us posted on your progress, and if you have any questions, ask away
Good luck

Lot's of questions. Might take a bit to get answers. Do not strop for your very first shave. Later, strop lightly before each shave. If the result is duller than your first shave you've started making some small mistakes. It's common. Strop very, very slowly at first. Keep the blade in motion at all times, but slow and steady. A razor can never, ever, stop on the strop. Also, anticipate the flip of the razor near the end of the strop and roll the razor over on it's spine, with your finger tips, and begin the razor's return BEFORE the edge makes contact with the strop.

A freshly honed razor calls for very light pressure. You'll likely need just a touch more than the weight of the blade. You might feel a slight draw on the strop, indicating that you are applying enough pressure. If your edges begin to dull very slowly over the course of 4-5 shaves you should increase the number of strokes on the strop first, and then add a touch more pressure. Keep the strop relatively taut. The tension in your left hand (or more specifically the hand holding the handle) is important. You want the strop extended, applying no geometric changes to the edge of the razor and you want the strop to be stretching slightly and flat so that the leather is gripping the edge. You also want a slight deflection to occur so that as you strop any mistakes can be absorbed. Never pull the strop so hard that it begins to cup.

Again, go slow and easy. Do not, at any time, allow yourself to nick the strop. It's very bad form. If you nick the strop, stop and reevaluate everything, particuarly speed and the return motion that must begin before the razor edge lands on the leather.

+++1 on Birnando and AFDavis's advice. First shave with a honed razor, you don't need to strop it at all. Just shave with it.

Of course, make sure that you prepare your face and beard for the shave. That consists of either a hot shower or hot water from the bathroom sink and some lather applied with your shaving brush. Massage it into your beard with your fingertips and leave it on your face for 2-3 minutes, maybe longer. You may also want to apply a hot towel to your beard as well. That will soften your whiskers. Rinse off the lather you first applied, reapply lather and commence your shave.

Take care--and smooth shaving.