Thread: New to straight razors

Hello all the name is Tyler Im from Arkansas id like to say hello to the straight razor community. Im very new to straight razor i have just purchased a 5/8 dovo best quality SR from MR LYNN SRD and im in love with it so im here to learn from everyone here on SRP so i can better my shaving each day so i can get less and less irriation and razor burn cause i dont like it to much.

Welcome. I find the greatest cause of razor burn is pressure. Focus on removing the lather, not the whiskers.

Welcome to SRP Tyler. You have definately come to the right place to learn and grow.

Just to get a little insight as to how far you've progressed, maybe you can tell us:

1. How many shaves have you done?
2. How many passes are you doing and in what directions (WTG, XTG and ATG)?
3. What is your prep like?
4. What is your post shave treatment like?
5. Have you spent some time really getting to understand your beard growth?

Like deighaingeal said - pressure is really the key. If you can, it's best to start with no pressure and add rather than start with too much pressure and take away. And this is for a good reason. Right now you are just getting razor burn, but it could just as easily be a nasty cut. Focus on getting a safe, comfortable shave right now - not a quality shave. The quality of shave is a by-product of experience and I think you probably know by now that there is a pretty steep learning curve to gain it.

So take it slow and easy - you'll get there.

Good luck and post a lot.

Welcome to the party.

hello alembic to answer ur five questions
1. ive completed 3 shaves since i got my razor the last shave caused me major razor burn on my neck thats my trouble area.
2. well with the 3 shaves under my belt ive only tried going WTG and ATG and im finding really hard to find the right angle to shave my neck and face ATG and WTG i have not tried XTG.
3. take a hot shower and wash my face to exfoliate than afterwards i put a conditioner and finish my shower and wash it off and pat my face dry. Than i strop my dovo 25 to 40 times and put my brush in my hot mug while i strop than i apply my col conk glycerin soap im not sure if im applying enought lather or getting enough build on it but than i shave and reapply and shave again.
4.i pretty much wash my face with cold water and thats about it i havent looked into any kind of post or pre shave stuff yet or do i know where to begin.
5. and i kinda know how my beard grows but i need to look up info i grows everywhere in all sorts of directions.

ill take any advice u have to offer i appreacite u listening to my story

Hey Tyler; Lots of relatives in Madison County, Huntsville. Fathers side. First thing, sharp razor and it sounds like that's covered. From there, technique. The neck is the hardest, and I was ready to give up over the lack of success with it. Then it happened after trying angles, holding the razor, and the, I call it the "Cool Hand Luke" syndrome, a "failure to communicate" brain to hand. It finally was like riding a bicycle, it came together and all of a sudden I could make that XTG on the neck and it was fun again. When you're frustrated don't give up. Lots of help and good advice here on SRP. Lots of very experienced members that helped me and they'll help you also. Have fun and best of luck and welcome to SRP! Regards, Howard

I'll just focus on one small point, there is a lot to learn afterall. Angles; WTG try keeping the spine one spine width off your face, ATG is almost flat against the face. Keep it off just enough to avoid the suction...You'll know what I mean when you experience it.
Other things like grip etc will come through trial and experience. Others will chime in with more advice I'm sure.


Mick

Originally Posted by Tylerbrycen

Hello all the name is Tyler Im from Arkansas id like to say hello to the straight razor community. Im very new to straight razor i have just purchased a 5/8 dovo best quality SR from MR LYNN SRD and im in love with it so im here to learn from everyone here on SRP so i can better my shaving each day so i can get less and less irriation and razor burn cause i dont like it to much.

Hello Tyler!

Welcome to the most Friendly, Helpful and Informative Site on the Web!

I agree with Gerrit (deighaningeal) and I would also suggest that you follow Lynn's advice and just shave the sideburn area only until you get the hang of using the straight!

Again, Welcome! OH! Any questions, just give me a PM!

Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades!

Roy

Just one small point....... you say that you dry your face then work up and apply shaving soap...don't do that, leave your face wet and keep it wet. Then apply the shaving soap. The goal is to have the whiskers absorb as much moisture as they can. That makes them soft and easy to cut.


P.S. (2:28 am) You say your washing your face to exfoliate the skin. FWIW, using a straight razor to shave with actually exfoliates the skin, so...your exfoliating twice! That may be contributing to your "razor burn". May I also take a guess and say that your using a lot of very hot water on your face in the shower? If so, then your removing the oils from your skin and that makes for a very rough shave. Your shaving soap needs to replace those oils or use a pre-shave oil and massage it in before the shaving soap is applied.

Hope this helps,

Welcome to the addiction !!!! and SRP....

You will not find better help in your quest to the perfect shave. Follow what you read above as it is excellent advice.

Post away and enjoy your stay.