Thread: Another Convert

Ok, my third attempt is in the books! This time, my razor was "honed" (in "" because I did it myself not really knowing much), and "stropped" (again, ''' for the newbie!). After a hot shower, during which I washed my face well, I lathered up with a brush and shave gel (Aveeno brand that I have been using for years with cartridge razors), then put a hot towel on my face and held it for about two minutes. I then wetted my face again with hot water and lathered up again with a thin layer of shave gel. I did WTG passes on my sideburns, which felt all right. I then did WTG passes on my neck, those felt ok, a little tugging. I only tried a couple WTG passes on my chin and upper lip. Those are the hardest parts for me as far as holding the blade comfortably and executing a smooth pass. There was a lot of tugging, so I didn't push it. I then added a little more cream where I had passed on my sideburns and did a couple ATG passes. That felt really awkward. Should I be switching hands for different sides of my face? I am right-handed and was trying to do everything that way. I cleaned up with my old cartridge. I didn't want to force the shave like I did last time and reinjure my face. Afterwards, instead of aftershave, I put on some facial lotion. Right now, I feel a little razor burn on my upper lip where I attempted passes, and a hint of burn on my neck and sideburns where I really shaved.

Obviously, something is off. I suspect that to begin with, my razor is just not shave-ready. The blade feels like a sharp knife, and from what I have read on here, it needs to go beyond that. I would also guess that my pass technique needs work.

Should I invest in a shave-ready razor from this site's classified's and work on my shaving and stropping? Seems like it might be tough for me to properly hone this one that I bought. From what I can tell, it came with a knife-sharp edge and no nicks. Someone experienced could probably hone it... not sure what to do here.

Originally Posted by ravi626

Obviously, something is off. I suspect that to begin with, my razor is just not shave-ready. The blade feels like a sharp knife, and from what I have read on here, it needs to go beyond that. I would also guess that my pass technique needs work.

Should I invest in a shave-ready razor from this site's classified's and work on my shaving and stropping? Seems like it might be tough for me to properly hone this one that I bought. From what I can tell, it came with a knife-sharp edge and no nicks. Someone experienced could probably hone it... not sure what to do here.

The short answer is "YES" on both counts.
Get yourself a good quality, shave ready razor from the classifieds or a vendor here and work on your lathering, stropping and shaving technique first - then down the track a bit, if you wish to, start on the honing journey.
Here are my thoughts on the reasons why
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...-try-hone.html
Finally, welcome to SRP - hang on and enjoy the ride

Ravi,

Welcome to SRP chief.

+1 on Havachat's advice. Try to purchase a low-cost shave-ready razor from one of the online vendors who advertise here or the SRP Classifieds. One of them is offering a free-lifetime holiday offer at this time. Since honing usually cost approx. $20.00 a pop, you may want to consider that option. In fact, I currently have three razors from that vendor with free life-time honing certificates and am about to add a fourth.

I would also hold off on honing your Sheffield straight razor until you determine what type of hone you have and become more comfortable with your shaving technique.

Thanks for the tip guys. I figured as much after coming to this site and perusing around a bit. @Havachat45: read your other post, and boy did that sound familiar

So, my question now is, which razor to buy? The beginning FAQ says to go for size and hollowness right in the middle. You guys agree with that for a beginning razor? @jhenry, which vendor is that?

1. Razor specs -- 5/8 or 6/8 wide, half-hollow to full-hollow ground. That's "middle-of-the-road", and there's no reason to start with anything else.

2. The Classifieds here, and Larry at WhippedDog.com , are a good source for reasonably-priced "shave-ready" vintage razors.

3. If you got a hone on Amazon.com for $13 that will put a decent edge on a razor, you were _very_ lucky. Please -- who was the vendor, and what was the description?

Charles

PS -- I haven't read "Why Beginners Shouldn't Hone", but I probably agree with it. I was a beginner who was trying to learn to shave, and to hone, at the same time. It's possible, but I don't recommend it.

Thanks for the links. this is what I bought. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

That hone is probably too coarse to put a good edge on a razor.

But -- since the seller doesn't give any information about it -- it's hard to say.

My first reaction is:

. . . "Too cheap"

If he cut it down from something good, he'd say what the source was.

I hope you've been reading the honing Wiki's -- it's easy to mess up the edge on a razor.

Charles