Thread: Frustration!

I can't understand what the h*ll is wrong with me.. I've been shaving with a straight for almost a year now and most of the time I get real awesome results.. Razor burn (used to be) no more.. Stropping is no problem, the edge gets nice and smooth. Getting proficient in honig, to the point I can now kill an edge, reset the bevel and polish it to a mirror finish.. But since a week or 3 I seem to get nothing but really poor shaves. [emoji24] I've tried just about everything, refreshing the edges, trying different soaps/creams/aftershave, the whole shabang.. I guess I'll just have to go catweasel for a while and start over again..

I read edges, so I am assuming multiple razors ????

Sometimes its a matter of getting back to the basics. As you know, your face is not the problem. So the problem is hiding in either your prep, technique, or edge. But you already knew that.

Damn the learning curve. It's like driving through the mountains, a lot of ups and downs and a few wicked curves along the way. In some ways it's a curse that we aren't born with automatic DNA instilled knowledge like the animals have from birth. The only advice I can think of is two part. And it's based on my own roadblocks. I switched to cold water shaves and solved may problems with that switch: irritation the major one. Secondly I paid very, very close attention to my shaving angles, realizing that I had to adjust the angle for different part of my face. I initially realized that no two faces are alike and have now found a shaving routine customized for my face only that, even with a razor in need of refreshing, gives me an acceptable shave.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Sometimes its a matter of getting back to the basics. As you know, your face is not the problem. So the problem is hiding in either your prep, technique, or edge. But you already knew that.

I agree with OCD shaver. When I was about a year into shaving with a DE I had a similar experience. Turns out I got really comfortable with my routine and slowly paid less attention to prepping my face. Once I realized it, I focused a little more on prep and the issue was resolved. Next time you shave, try to focus on all the basics and see if you don't get an awesome shave.

I had that same issue today with a razor that I know has a fine edge. I did some extra stropping post shave and decided it must have been my prep/lather. Tomorrow is another day!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I read edges, so I am assuming multiple razors ????

Yeah indeed.. 2 of which are done by Lynn. I've got a small rotation of 6 razors but they all perform good.. I'll take on the cold water shave method to try if that's any help.

Thanks for the tips and sharing in my (temporary) misery..

Yeppers unfortunatly if the issue is with multiple razors the cause lies with the guy looking back from the mirror each morning

I like OCD's suggestion of going back to the basics, helps me to do that now and then, been at this for 34 years now and I still can catch myself using to much pressure sometimes have to tell myself "Back off idiot"

Good luck on sorting it out quickly

Boy is that the truth or what. I do it also but it takes me a couple shaves to realize it

Is it possible all your edges have become rusty.