Thread: newbie all around, help, questions!

Hi All, great idea to start this. I'm very new to straight edge shaving, have a dove, and all the kit... now, i don't have the most firm skin (hey i'm middle aged), and the reason i'm switching to a straight edge, is to get a closer shave, and of course to save money on the disposable carterages (i've been using a fusion, 5 blade)..So far, I can't get a close shave!, the blade is sharp, pre shave oil, nice lather, etc. but just can't get a good close shave, base of my neck is the most difficult, and the cheeks are the easiest. is this as good as it gets? (btw, I do two passes) does it get better? closer? or am I destined to use the stupid 5 blade?

It certainly gets better with practice. Improved technique pays off, but certain areas will always be more difficult than others - the skin on my neck is a bit slack, and the lowest bit of it is usually rougher-feeling than my cheeks. I just live with it - some parts don't come out as smooth as others.

If you're very new to it, possibly you are not doing an ATG pass? There's only so smooth you can get doing WTG. (But don't rush to do ATG until you feel you're ready and can move the razor over your skin with some confidence.)

Also, if you are doing an 'ATG' pass, it may not be truly ATG - have you actually checked when you've got a few days growth what direction the stubble grows in? I was surprised when I found that I had sideways areas, swirls, etc - I'd always assumed it just grew north -> south.

Also also, the stuff you read here about lightness of touch and getting the angle right, that's all true, and also takes practice.

It gets better, keep at it.

thanks, I do, what I believe is the atg, though, i'm realising that difficult part on the base of my neck is sideways now that you mention it. I'm also bald, and have to shave some bits of my head, however, the one time I did it, I almost needed stitches. will keep at it. I do want to master this! something my brother and I have agreed to do, and I now have to show him up! (sibling rivalry)

Originally Posted by Matt69

It certainly gets better with practice. Improved technique pays off, but certain areas will always be more difficult than others - the skin on my neck is a bit slack, and the lowest bit of it is usually rougher-feeling than my cheeks. I just live with it - some parts don't come out as smooth as others.

If you're very new to it, possibly you are not doing an ATG pass? There's only so smooth you can get doing WTG. (But don't rush to do ATG until you feel you're ready and can move the razor over your skin with some confidence.)

Also, if you are doing an 'ATG' pass, it may not be truly ATG - have you actually checked when you've got a few days growth what direction the stubble grows in? I was surprised when I found that I had sideways areas, swirls, etc - I'd always assumed it just grew north -> south.

Also also, the stuff you read here about lightness of touch and getting the angle right, that's all true, and also takes practice.

It gets better, keep at it.

I have found using a straight takes practice and time - but you can improve your shave by using a double edge to "clean up" and get those hard to reach areas closer. As your skills improve, you can move more and more into the straight. You're going to get a better shave! Keep working it!

Hey, Jeddah.
Its likely no surprise that the older art has a period of skills acquisition. To the truly twisted (that would be me), that period never ends.
I think you'll find it gets better - often in leaps, with some small detail of technique bumping you to the next plateau in skills and satisfaction. If you want to leapfrog your skills and satisfaction, probably the fastest way would be to connect w/ another experienced member in your area for some tutorial time - or attend one of the regional meet-ups. Its literally the case that you can learn more in a day at a meet-up then you can in 6 mo. of reading and practice.
BTW. New shavers are *HARD* on edges. When your edge needs attention, I'd be happy to touch up. 'Just the actual costs of shipping it back to you.
It'll be nice to see some posts from you as the shave transitions from 'challenge' to 'pleasure'. We'll all be cheering for ya.

thanks, I live in jeddah saudi arabia if there is anyone here who wants to help out!

have you tried not using the preshave oil? for me the oil makes it harder to stretch the skin you might also want to try rubbing your wet fingers over an alum block as this seems to help controlling soft skin when stretching it.
i'm at a loss for tips about head shaving. my guess is my scalp must be extremely ugly as the hair has had the decency to keep it well covered.

enjoy,
jim