Thread: New SR shaver from Indy with lots of questions

Hello, I'm new to the world of straight razor shaving; I received my first straight razor last week, a Dovo 5/8 imitation tortoise shell carbon steel beauty that was honed to a wicked sharp by Lynn Abrams. So sharp I think the whiskers just cut themselves out when they saw such a sharp razor coming towards them! Earlier this year, in January, I ditched the Mach3 and switched to a Merkur DE razor - my shaves have been much improved, and I actually look forward to shaving - it's almost therapeutic.

My first straight razor shave was superb. So good in fact, I used the striaght razor for almost the entire shave, even though I'd never used one before. I had a little trouble maneuvering around the upper lip and nose, but other than that things went better than expected. I did a little cleanup with the DE razor, but the striaght razor left me BBS on my cheeks, chin, and neck!

The next day, the shave was not quite as good. A little tugging of the razor, but acceptable, despite my poor attempts at first time stropping.

Each day has gotten progressively worse, even tough, I THINK I'm getting better at stropping. So far as I can tell, other than being pretty slow at this point, I think I've ben following fairly good form - I've never accidentally rolled it on the edge or nicked the strop, I keep the strop tight, the spine and blade are both in contact with the strop, with little or no pressure on the blade. I tried the hanging hair test I read about the razor cut it neatly, but the subsequent shave was a bit painful - a lot of tugging at the whiskers. I don't expect to get proficient overnight, but what do I do in the meantime? I don't believe I've dulled the blade enough to warrant a honing, but I must not be getting the job done with my stropping either. -- It is one of those things that must be learned while doing - you can read about it and watch vidoes, but unless you have someone to show you in person, it's pretty much trial and error. I assume I'll get it down eventually, but how do a deal with a less-than-razor-sharp razor until I do? Just grin and bear it? (I'm sure my post is similar to those of many first time SR shavers! )


Any help or assurance would be much appreciated!

Dave

How many strokes on the strop are you doing ?
DO NOT try and rush the stropping. There is no rush just take it nice and slow keeping your technique sound.
Here is something to try...
Warm your blade by holding it under the hot water tap. Warm your strop by rubbing it fairly vigorously with the palm of your hand. Start stropping nice and slow with good technique and perform at least 100 strokes ( you can not over strop if your form is good )
Try shaving again.

for the quick response England! -- I have been doing 40-60 strokes, but will go slow and do 100. I'll try warming the strop and razor as you suggest, and give it a go in the morning! Thank you again. Dave

Dhennon,

Welcome to SRP! Glad to have you aboard. I hope you will consider joining Hoosier Shavers. In fact, we are having a meeting this Saturday, September 8th.

England's advice is sound. I run hot water over my straight before stropping--50 cloth; 60 leather.

Again, welcome aboard.

Thanks jhenry! I would be very interested in joining, depending on the meeting times and location. This Sat may be difficult,as I'll be taking my scout troop to Camp Bradford Woods to help with the annual Handicapable camp ther (a very worthy cause!)