Thread: Hart steel and tears?

Originally Posted by Lynn

I find that when people transition from a shavette type razor to a real straight razor, they really almost need to start all over with technique as if they were a brand new straight razor shaver. Usually with the shavette the shaver is using up to a 45 degree angle and the razor is still providing a nice shave, but when you switch to the real straight, no matter how correct you think the angle is, it is usually not. Start on one side of the face at the sideburn and only shave down to the jaw for a couple days making sure the razor is at 30 degrees or less with light short strokes and longer clean up strokes. When you get this area shaving nicely move to the cheek and give yourself some time to progress to where you re learn the face, particularly the mustache and chin areas. Be patient. For most, making this transition is not as simple as you think it should be.

If you can't get just the area under the sideburn after a couple days, definitely let someone look at the sharpness of the razor as stated above.

Have fun.

Thanks Lynn for the respond and sound advice! I will attempt those recommended angles and remove and restart with real straights I like to follow what the Doctor ordered. This site has helped out so much already!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

That one stroke in your vid was about dang well perfect..

That is the test for you and the razor, if it cannot do that stroke and surprise you with how smooth and clear the cut is your are either doing something really off with the angle, or the razor needs Honing/Proper stropping.. Trying any other parts of the face or any other directions are a complete waste of time if you can't accomplish that stroke...

You have to be honest with yourself here, if you feel you did everything right then it is time to send it out to be honed or checked

Thank you Thank you for the advice too, I do believe this razor needs a touch up or more. I will admit I have a lot of techniques to learn shave angle, stropping etc. Next to send it out to get checked!

Think beard reduction program, not one clean sweep. Angle of spine off your face was way too high, you are scraping hair off, not cutting hair off.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Think beard reduction program, not one clean sweep. Angle of spine off your face was way too high, you are scraping hair off, not cutting hair off.

Okay I will definitely try making the angle more steep! Thank you

Unfortunately, you may have a dull razor though due to the high angle...it kills edges. Strop the dickens out of it and if it still pulls your whiskers while using a low angle (about a spine width off your face) the razor most likely will need re-honed. My offer still stands.

Don't worry, this is the stuff all of us have gone through & you will see other new guys to our sport do the same...just help them out like we are trying to help you out.

Here is me with a steeper angle and the razor shaved even less comfortable this time....

OK that's it then stop using it and take up the offer of honing. When you get it back DON'T strop before you use it for the first time.
Just had another look at this video and froze your second stroke, have a look yourself I'd say your angle is still too high. I now agree you may be scraping not cutting. Start with the razor honed then try again.
I'm about a year in and still learning it will come together but it'll take time and patience.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Unfortunately, you may have a dull razor though due to the high angle...it kills edges. Strop the dickens out of it and if it still pulls your whiskers while using a low angle (about a spine width off your face) the razor most likely will need re-honed. My offer still stands.

Don't worry, this is the stuff all of us have gone through & you will see other new guys to our sport do the same...just help them out like we are trying to help you out.

Super helpful thank you, I will pm you soon on your awesome offer!

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

OK that's it then stop using it and take up the offer of honing. When you get it back DON'T strop before you use it for the first time.
Just had another look at this video and froze your second stroke, have a look yourself I'd say your angle is still too high. I now agree you may be scraping not cutting. Start with the razor honed then try again.
I'm about a year in and still learning it will come together but it'll take time and patience.

I will keep trying that steeper angle I really need to practice, after it is sharp of course. Thank you for the help

Originally Posted by dshaves

I will keep trying that steeper angle I really need to practice, after it is sharp of course. Thank you for the help

I think this may be a mis-type but you need a shallower angle, that's the spine closer to your cheek.