Thread: First Straight Razor for Beginner

So I just shaved and it was still an extremely lousy shave. I was literally jumping up and down and grinding my teeth while applying the Alum-Block to my face. Every spot I shaved with the Straight razor is burning. I'm starting to get sick and tired of this routine, and the Merkur Saftey Razors are beginning to look more and more attractive after all the pain I'm going through, it feels like a waste of $140.

I stropped the blade before usage for the first time. I performed 40-60 on the Leather Strop and 10-20 on the White Canvas. Again after shaving my facial hair looks identical to what it originally was. No hair was trimmed nor shaved. I was much more aggressive this time while maintaining a 30 degree angle or lower, I did nick my skin twice.

Please help me

I've always wanted to use a Straight Razor, and now my skin is burning like crazy from it...and no I don't have any skin problems, (besides for acne), and I don't need to see a Dermantologist

Should be canvas first, then leather. Incorrect stropping can degrade the edge fast. Skin stretching and a good lather do make a difference. Low angle. Concentrate on an easy area like your cheeks and finish with a DE. You could also try to find a mentor in your area.

Originally Posted by noy99

So I just shaved and it was still an extremely lousy shave. I was literally jumping up and down and grinding my teeth while applying the Alum-Block to my face. Every spot I shaved with the Straight razor is burning. I'm starting to get sick and tired of this routine, and the Merkur Saftey Razors are beginning to look more and more attractive after all the pain I'm going through, it feels like a waste of $140.

I stropped the blade before usage for the first time. I performed 40-60 on the Leather Strop and 10-20 on the White Canvas. Again after shaving my facial hair looks identical to what it originally was. No hair was trimmed nor shaved. I was much more aggressive this time while maintaining a 30 degree angle or lower, I did nick my skin twice.

Please help me

I've always wanted to use a Straight Razor, and now my skin is burning like crazy from it...and no I don't have any skin problems, (besides for acne), and I don't need to see a Dermantologist

As Grazor said, Canvas first, then Leather.


What do mean by "I was much more aggressive this time" ?


Typically, less pressure = less aggressive.


Scratching my head here my friend. How a

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/thez.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...ethanolic.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...nnycakedc.html

It could be that in your short time wet shaving, you have already picked up some very bad habits. I have linked the profiles of some members in your area that might be able to show you the ropes. I think its time you did so.

You're lucky. So far, the only people in my area that have been active in the forum in the last year are just as new to this as me... or well over an hour away.

Good luck, and be patient.

Originally Posted by Crawler

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/thez.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...ethanolic.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...nnycakedc.html
I have linked the profiles of some members in your area that might be able to show you the ropes. I think its time you did so.

Crawler, good of you to list some members near noy99. But please do a little research before you list a person. TheZ hasn't posted for three years and may possibly no longer be active or interested. MajorEthonolic might still be away on assignment (active military) and is not really live near the DC Area. JohnnyCakeDC last posted last Oct. Better to refer them to the Local Help list, link on left side of Welcome Page.

It also helps if you stress to them to actively search for a Mentor or Senior Member on their own. Double benefit: they learn navigating around the forum and they get to know more people deeper than their forum name.

Have you tried getting a straight razor shave from somewhere? You might try the art of the shave in DC, they're expensive, but you will get the feel of how the blade is supposed to feel on your face. Take a few days off, then come back and try again. Have you tried with a shavette? Don't try so hard, and it will eventually all come together just start with sideburns and cheeks, then work other areas. Lather should not flake off, it needs to be wetter. When you think it's right, add some more. You'll get there.

Weak lather will cause irritation like you won't believe. I've had irritation to the point where I couldn't move my head to the left or right. Lather is very crucial in a smooth, comfortable shave. Make sure the blade is stropped well then really focus on technique. I would also agree with the other that 30 degrees max is a good rule to follow. It took me 6 months to get my lather skills up to par. 6 months of ( I could do better with a Gillette) shaves. They only get better with time keep at it

Well my first s/r was from SRD it was the Ralf Aust 5/8 round point. It gives an amazing shave i used a shavette before that i believe it was less than the Dovo Bismark. My deal was i want to try a s/r but not go too deep right out of the gate, I now have 4 razors that i can choose from when i shave. The addiction is crazy but they will last a lifetime if taken care of. Goodluck on your adventure.

Hmmm, don't know how I missed that. Sleep deprivation, most likely. I was sorting by most recently active, and included only people with several hundred posts or more.

But either way, my suggestion of finding local help still stands. Btw, the search function is unforgiving of different spellings. If you search by location with the spelling the OP uses, only about four results come back. Best to simply search for "Washington", and look at each member's "about me" to confirm between D.C. & the state.

size and grind is really more of a personal choice.
I was quite amazed wen i first used a 4/8' Puma.
Never thought i would enjoy smaller razors, but the shave pretty pretty damn good as my bigger choppers.
Again, personal preference until you've tried them least once.