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I am new to straight razor shaving.
I purchased a very in expensive carbon steel straight razor. I strop the razor at the beggining of every shave, but every time I shave I feel the razor pulling and the results are dismal. Is this because of my razor or my inexperience? What can I do to correct it?
Thanks
I commend you on your efforts. There are two things to consider. Since your new mayber your technique needs to be improved? Mine is improving daily. The next is your ability to hone the blade such that is truly shave ready. Maybe a suggestion would be tio send your beautiful razor to one of our many honemeisters to put the proper edge on it. Then get a one or 2 inexpensive razors on ebay or antique shop to develop your honng skills. When you get your nice razor back from the honemeister you will it to compare against your honing...
Another question would be which company manufactured your razor. This would help to decide if the blade quality is in question before putting more work and money into it.
Yes knowing what razor, and if it was purchased as "Shave Ready" from a reputable seller would change the whole equation....
No razors, no matter the price, unless they are pre-honed are shave ready... That answer, would determine whether it is our stropping /prep/newness that is the problem...
Three things have to come together for a great shave...
A properly honed and stropped Razor...
Proper face prep....
Correct angles and skin stretching during the shave...
When these three things happen life is wonderful !!!!!:D and welcome to SRP !!!!!
There are many reasonably priced razors in the SRP classifieds. I just bought a shave ready Genco Tiger for forty bucks shipped. You can't beat that with a stick. You may find a good deal on ebay or in an antique store but more often then not they need work. I agree with dward, send your razor out to a honemiester and pick up a couple more for a rotation and to work on you honing skills. Welcome to SRP.
Welcome. I agree with the all the responses.
I can't imagine how many new to Str8's are completely put off by "alleged shave ready" razors. The best technique can't make a dull blade perform-add some nervousness and lack of experience-it would be easy to QUIT.
Having a razor of known quality-shave ready honed by someone with the skill required to do it is CRUCIAL.At least at that point,you can gauge you progress. Don't get discouraged.
Rap,
A description of your shaving regimen would be of great help. Also include if the razor was sold as honed and shave ready.