Thread: Questions, Comments, Concerns...overall Woes and Thoughts after 2 weeks

Hi Mike
Assuming that your prep and lather haven't changed for the worse over the course of those 8 shaves, it does sound like your razor has lost it's edge. It's easy for that to happen when you're learning to strop and you sure wouldn't be the first guy it happened to.

As far as the upper lip & chin are concerned, those areas do take some time to get the technique down but also demand a *very* good edge on the blade in order to get the right results. Most razors will benefit from re-stropping a little before making the last pass here too.

I like to go ATG on most of the upper lip after a WTG and XTG/snowplow pass although it's not generally recommended for safety reasons. Pulling the skin tight and going ATG with the blade very flat clockwise from 9-11 o'clock and counter clockwise from 3-1 o'clock works perfectly and keeps the blade far enough from my nose that it doesn't feel too risky for me.
How well and easily I can get the upper lip clean is probably the single best test of razor quality and sharpness for me. Trying to shave the chin/lip with a less than keen blade would frustrate anybody - it's no wonder you're feeling some aggravation right now.

It might be worth considering a DE razor for use as needed when your straight is out for sharpening until you build up a rotation or learn to hone them yourself. You can get quality blades for them much cheaper than cartridge razors but you won't find them at the local drugstore.

That's my 2 cents worth of thoughts.
Dave

Mike,

I definitely feel your pain. This has been an uphill journey for me, too. Sounds like you were doing well for this stage in the game, too.

Here's how I do my upper lip: I do a regular downward WTG pass first. Then I'll finish my WTG pass elsewhere. Then I'll relather just the upper lip, leaving the rest of my face relatively dry. With my right hand, I'll reach up and pull the skin at the corner of my mouth backward toward my ear. Then I reach across with the left hand and shave inward, across the grain. It's a little tricky to get the hang of, but I get that area nice and smooth. Also, splashing some cold water on my face and doing a water-only pass works well.

Eight shaves before needing a touchup isn't bad while you're working on your chops. Sounds like a little time on the pasted paddle would be in order. You can get one from Tony for a nice price.

If that doesn't do the trick, PM me and I'll take 'er for a ride on the Norton for you--gratis.

Keep at it,
Josh