Thread: Noob from the uk

Hello I got my a straight for my birthday it was shave ready and I managed my whole face and head which took a long time and care. I've now decided I should take my time and practice on just my cheeks till I'm more confident with it ended with a bit of razor burn on neck and 2 nicks other than that it went ok but for some reason when I try to shave my neck the razor seems like it skips a bit anybody know why any help would be appreciated thanks.

Hi there, and welcome to SRP!
And big congratulations for a successful first, both head and face shave, well done.
Since you used your straight successfully the first time, I would suggest that it could be either your technique (wrong angle probably) or that you do not have a strop and that your razors edge has deteriorated slightly. What means of edge upkeep do you have?
Alternatively, if the problem is at your neck only, it might be that your hairgrowth is changing direction, and that you are in fact shaving against the grain that last part. It requires a slightly lesser angle, I find.
Glad to have you with us, ask any questions, and check out the wiki, there's a whole lot of info in there for the new and seasoned straightshaver alike.

Thanks and yes I have had a good look at the wiki there is some really interesting things and lots of advice and I have a leather and canvas hanging strop which I used before I shaved. I am a little confused as to which should I finish stropping on the leather or the canvas side thanks.

Canvas side first, maybe 20 laps (1 up 1 down is a lap) then 50 on the leather, weight othe razor only, spine leading.

Welcome!

Great hobby to take up and great adventure. Unfortunately everyone that knows what do thinks i'm weird, which i s why i hang out here

Well, if you have a strop and manage to use it sufficiently, (I am assuming you did), I would have to point to the technique.
There are 2 very likely options: Your pressure is too high - Keep a very low pressure, the razor should just barely touch your skin. Second, your angle may be off - try to keep it low.
Personally, it took me a long time before I managed to keep the pressure light at all times. It is so easy to increase when one wants to get those hairs well.
Hope this helped some.

Thanks for the advice I appreciate it.

Hello from a fellow Brit!

IMO its quite a learning curve, just keep at it watch the videos on youtube and read all you can on here. I found that it took about 30 shaves before I started getting half decent ones and after a year or so I'm getting great shaves but they are still improving,