Thread: Grind and closeness of shave?

Hi there,

I had a similar question a short while ago that was phrased differently, but I believe you may be interested in the responses.
The tread can be found here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ns-please.html

Hope this helps.

I personally find that the grind makes no difference to the shave. I get just as good a shave from a 7/8 W&B wedge as a little Sheffield 4/8 hollow. As long as they're honed right, stropped right and looked after they'll all shave you just as well as the other.

Disposables can sometimes feel sharper because the blades are coated in teflon to reduce drag. Prep and technique definately also make a difference with a true straight, which I dont find as much with disposable blades. You have to up your prep a notch with a proper straight to really get the best out of it. I find that prep doesnt matter so much with my DE but boy do I notice it with my straights if I dont get it right..!

Yes, in short your answer is your technique is the problem. Unless the razors aren't shave ready of course. Your face only sees the very edge of the razor. it's doesn't know what the rest looks like.

Thank you for all the insight and suggestions thus far!

Originally Posted by Stubear

I personally find that the grind makes no difference to the shave. I get just as good a shave from a 7/8 W&B wedge as a little Sheffield 4/8 hollow. As long as they're honed right, stropped right and looked after they'll all shave you just as well as the other.

Disposables can sometimes feel sharper because the blades are coated in teflon to reduce drag. Prep and technique definately also make a difference with a true straight, which I dont find as much with disposable blades. You have to up your prep a notch with a proper straight to really get the best out of it. I find that prep doesnt matter so much with my DE but boy do I notice it with my straights if I dont get it right..!

Hmm..
I'm not sure if these blades are teflon coated, but that suggestion makes a lot of sense to me.
Perhaps my prep routine isn't as good as it could be.
I've been using Col. Conks shaving soap, and I can usually cop a pretty good thick lather with it. I'm sure there are a million subtleties I'm not aware of here, but the lather seems good to me. It does take a bit to wash off after the shave, maybe I'm using too much soap?
What could I do to improve my prep?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Yes, in short your answer is your technique is the problem. Unless the razors aren't shave ready of course. Your face only sees the very edge of the razor. it's doesn't know what the rest looks like.

I suspected technique could be a (if not THE) problem, as I'm new to using a real straight.
Are there any obvious major differences in shave technique between using the Diane disposable and a real straight?
I'm all ears, and would really like to improve my skills.

Originally Posted by TheNameIsJack

I suspected technique could be a (if not THE) problem, as I'm new to using a real straight.
Are there any obvious major differences in shave technique between using the Diane disposable and a real straight?
I'm all ears, and would really like to improve my skills.

How do you get the Carnegie Hall? You've had more practice with the Diane, I'd guess you're better with it. Can't give any tips as I am unfamiliar with it. Good luck.

Prefernce.
Thats all.
I like em both, but totaly different face feel.
I've heard some guys with stiff stubble prefer the stiffer grind.

I've never used a disposable but I know they can be very unforgiving so you need to be careful and use a very light touch. A straight is no different but straight is more forgiving so if you stray you are apt to have less a chance of getting bitten-to a point. In general the technique for shaving is the same it's more a little tweaking here and there with larger and heavier razors.