Thread: Help for a rookie

StackNitup,

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. You will need time to hone your skill with the straight razor. Your specific technique will develop from that. Here are some points to remember:

1. Keep your razor angle about 20 to 30 degrees. Those are general numbers and the angles may vary in different parts of the face.

2. Don't squeeze the razor too hard in your hands. Think of the razor as bird: that if you squeeze it too hard, it will die, and too loose, it will fly away. Also, this medium grip will help you maneuver the blade better.

3. Keep your pressure low by using the razor's weight only.

4. Don't force the razor, because it is sassy and will bite you.

5. Keep your strokes short. Also, use care in placing the blade on your face. Many cuts happen when we lose concentration and place the blade hard on the skin.

6. The neck, because the beard frequently grows in all kinds of directions, is a problem for a lot of us. It is for me even after all these years. I can get a perfect shave on my neck with probably five or six passes, but by then my skin is fried. I, therefore, go for comfortable rather than perfect and do the best I can.

7. Pre-shave might help you. I don't much care for pre-shave oils; rather, my choice of a pre-shave is Castle Forbes, a wee bit pricey, yes, but worth it.

In the meantime, here are more appropriate videos for newbies. Although Willie's video is entertaining, I don't feel it appropriate for newbies.

Straight Razor Shaving for Beginners - YouTube