New UK Member, and with a few issues.
Hi, I'm a newcomer to using a straight razor (previously used electric), I've now been using one every other day for the past few weeks, and since the issues I've been having haven't disappeared I want to address them before any bad habits I may have picked up get ingrained.
I have some basic kit from 'The Invisible Edge' website, with the razor I am using being the 'Classic' they have on their website.
I've picked up mixing a good lather fairly quickly, and I don't seem to be having any problems in that regard.
Now, on to the issues I'm having. I always end up with a thin layer of stubble, very noticeable when I brush against the grain with my hand, I'm not sure what I could be doing wrong, I've experimented somewhat with the angle that I'm holding the blade, and unfortunately that doesn't seem to have helped. for the most part at the moment I'm doing 1 pass with the grain, followed by another across it, purely on my cheeks and neck, I don't have to worry about my chin as I have a VanDyke beard at the moment.
My best guess at the moment is that it either needs honing, or that I am stropping it wrong.
Also on the subject of honing, I already have some japanese waterstones that I use for my woodworking tools and knives, with the finest one being this King 6000 grit combi stone, with which I typically use a Nagura Stone, supposedly equivalent to 8k grit to build up an even finer slurry for sharpening with. Do you think that this is fine enough to hone a chisel on, or would you recommend investing in a finer stone?
Last question for now, is camelia oil a suitable oil to be using on the blade to stop it from tarnishing, I have a large bottle that I use for my tools, and which I have been using on my razor, but I thought I'd check opinion while I'm asking questions.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I'm hopeful that someone here will be able to give me the pointers that I need.
Re: New UK Member, and with a few issues.
Welcome Hular. Cant answer many of your questions but this is certainly the place to be to get excellent honest answers from some great knowledgable gentlemen!
Like you i have found that within a few hours of shaving ill have a full face of stubble... It cant be seen but it can certainly be felt. It doesnt bother me. We must have some super hair growth gene (i can shave my full head completely bald... Within a week ill have a head full of hair).