starting to get discouraged

I have been interested in straight razor shaving for a few years now. But now I am actually starting to really get into it. I have all the equipment needed. Now I just need practice. I currently shave with a Merkur 38C DE razor with Feather blades and I have to say It is going to be hard to pull me away from that.

The only thing that has discouraged me is, even after sending my razor to be honed by a pro, my razor is still tugging at my whiskers...enough for me to just put down the razor and shave with something else. Let it be known I am a novice at straight razor shaving, but I know how to prep my face because I have been wet shaving with the Merkur for a while now with no problems.

I watch these guys on Youtube just slash through heavy growth with no problem. I have a thick Middle Eastern type growth, so I really want my razor to be as sharp as the Feather blades before I even put it to my face.

After I received my razor from "A Sharper Razor" it was sharper than before, I would rate it a C+ for hanging hair test...but when I put it to my face, it was a struggle for it to cut. I have some chromium oxide on the way so maybe that will help. I am here to learn from you guys so please help me.

Just to confirm: Is it possible to get a straight razor as sharp as a Feather blade? Did I just pick a mediocre hone service? Any advice would be great.

-Cheers

A lot of it is shave technique. Blade angle, angle of attack. Skin stretching and the direction of your stroke. Map your face so that you know for sure which direction your beard grows. It took me some weeks to completely finish a shave with my straight razor. I used a Merkur 37C with feather blades for my chin and parts of my neck for weeks or a month or so. Keep at it and you'll find it will get better.

The sharpness of a feather and the sharpness of a straight are different, but the results should be very similar. Have you tried slightly different angles? How is your stropping?

It takes a while to get the feel right. Most of guys on YouTube have lots of time in making it look easy. Take it slow, work cheeks and big areas until you get comfortable and good results. Use your DE for the rest.

Keep it up it gets easier

When I strop I try to be extra careful. I have one of those Illinois strops...model 127 with the linen on the back. I was going to put the chromium oxide on the back side of the leather. I guess that's a "mid grade" quality strop, I would like to upgrade. But as far as my technique, it could use a little work but I dont think its absolutely horrible. I think it takes a bit longer because I go at a slower pace.

When you strop on the leather side, should you "hear" the bevel rubbing against the leather? I pull the stop tight and hold it to where I can see the blade laying flat.

Where you from brother? That location information is useful to others as we can offer assistance. Find a mentor nearby & make a visit with a day or so's growth on the beard. You are literally starting out, but using the feather you have a bit of a jump. Once you learn the straight, you will see why we are hooked and your feather will become a feather duster...just collecting dust.

I hone razor for newbie in my country and when I send they back I suggest to don't strop it ( I send the razor stropped ), because if you don't know the right technique, you could compromise the razor sharpness.

All my razor don't pass the HHT but give you a great shave, this because we have not the same kind of hairs, is possible that don't pass the test with your hair but could pass with another kind of hair.
I watch the blade until scope and test the sharpness with arm hair, if they pop up with one pass on middle air, is a good sign.

Don't let failure discourage you.

I live in Southern Kentucky but I frequent the greater Nashville area since I am from TN. I did find a hone service in a nearby town, I wonder if he would help me. Thank for the info!

That was one of the questions I asked him once he sent the razor back to me...I asked him, "Should I strop the razor when I get it back." He instructed me not too, and said I could if I wanted to, but I didn't. That is another test I do, with the arm hair. Thank you

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Originally Posted by yehabrother

After I received my razor from "A Sharper Razor" it was sharper than before, I would rate it a C+ for hanging hair test...but when I put it to my face, it was a struggle for it to cut. I have some chromium oxide on the way so maybe that will help. I am here to learn from you guys so please help me.

Just to confirm: Is it possible to get a straight razor as sharp as a Feather blade? Did I just pick a mediocre hone service? Any advice would be great.

-Cheers

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There is always the chance you picked a mediocre service, try a different service till you find results. Plenty of guys hone on SRP. Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

An über edge is possible & will surpass a DE blade in comfort but also depends on the razor how long it will last.

My straights don't get as sharp as the Feather blades in my Feather SS, but the shaving difference is not really noticeable.

I would suggest that you are on the steep end of the learning curve, and it took me a month or so before I could feel any comfort with the shaving itself or the results. It does take time, and you have to put that time in. I can tell you that it is definitely worth it. Once you get past the usual Newbie issues, you'll be on your way. Be patient and persistent.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

There is always the chance you picked a mediocre service, try a different service till you find results.

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Wasn't he the guy that claimed his 330mate Jnat was 50000 grit?

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Originally Posted by mainaman

Wasn't he the guy that claimed his 330mate Jnat was 50000 grit?

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His history is "Truly" known to some of us. ;)

Trick for me was using some preshave oil. I noticed the same pulling tough my edge was good. For me the preshave made the angle and tecnique less critical. Last week I forgot the preshave and apparently my technique improved :D.

I also found the preshave oil and keeping the lather moist on my face to be a big help.