Hi there,

My name is Ryan. I'm 28 years old. I live in Canada.

I just started straight razor shaving this week. I decided to go to straight razor shaving for a few reasons:

1 - I have this vision that I'll get the best closest shave
2 - The cost of gillette cartridges is obscene
3 - It's very Zen
4 - It's manly and old-fashioned... respectable

Anyways, I purchased a beginner's kit. I have a 5/8 Dovo Razor, a 2" strop, best badger brush, a shave cream and a shave soap, styptic pencil, etc., etc.

I spent a lot of money on the kit without trying it out first. I could use a lot of help because at a week in I have to admit my face looks like spaghetti (from cuts). If anyone is looking for someone to mentor, I'd love to have a mentor!!

I've watched dozens of youtube videos and I even read a 40 page PDF book on straight shaving. I'm familiar with fundamentals such as the 30 degree rule and the importance of face prep and aftercare (although I still need to upgrade my aftershave).

So basically, I'm just at a frustration point where I find there are certain parts of the face that aren't very difficult, but there are certain parts that are. I find that the cuts come from either a lack of concentration and I put the razor against the skin at a wrong angle or i will be shaving and the razor bumps along my skin and then digs in.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ryan