Thread: My first shave

I've been using a disposable straight for near 2 year but tonight I used my new "le dandy thiers-issard".
The end result was as good as disposable but will say it did tug a bit but I carried on and shaved against the grain, now when I read a dovo supplier it said not to strop the first time before you shave just take it out the box so this is what I did, now would appreciate any help do you think if which I will strop the blade before I next shave and I did give it a few runs after my shave tonight this will improve or dose it have to be better honed? New to this pleased with my shave but know it should be better. Any help will be great.

Did the straight razor come from a vendor known for supplying shave ready razors?
I ask because razors from the factory usually need to be sharpened by a professional before they are shave ready, despite claims from manufacturer.

^ what he said...and yes you should strop now before and possibly after each shave.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Did the straight razor come from a vendor known for supplying shave ready razors?
I ask because razors from the factory usually need to be sharpened by a professional before they are shave ready, despite claims from manufacturer.

Yes it came from master of shaves, and I was told it is shave ready to use, it's shaved my face really nice but just could be a tiny bit sharper i would say( compared to a desposible which is all I've ever used) it did seem to tug

My recommendation would be to strop.
You might reduce your angle while shaving. Straights require a smaller angle than a shavette.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

My recommendation would be to strop.
You might reduce your angle while shaving. Straights require a smaller angle than a shavette.

Ok il reduce angle next time, when you strop how many runs( being in my head up and back) on the strop do u do before you shave and after? Thanks for your help.

I do about 20 laps on the webbing and 75 laps on leather.

This is probably the best how to shave video I have seen. Of special note is Lynn's discussion of the difference in blade angle for shavettes vs. straights.http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...beginners.html

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

I do about 20 laps on the webbing and 75 laps on leather.

This is probably the best how to shave video I have seen. Of special note is Lynn's discussion of the difference in blade angle for shavettes vs. straights.http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...beginners.html

Thank you for your help I watched this video and I do think I did not hold the blade at the right angle , i guess when I next use it if it tugs then I will be a honing issue what do you think? That said I will say it still has shaven my face really well.

Originally Posted by Hadrada79

Thank you for your help I watched this video and I do think I did not hold the blade at the right angle , i guess when I next use it if it tugs then I will be a honing issue what do you think? That said I will say it still has shaven my face really well.

Right I just did a hair test on my razor and it failed, I shave once a week do you think when I next strop it can pass or does this meen it must be honed? Please help

So many variable involved in getting a good shave. One of the biggest is the HHT. It works for some and it doesn't work for others. In many cases even when the razor fails the HHT it will give a good shave. Some peoples hair is not conducive to passing the HHT. I know mine doesn't. I base the condition of the razor on how my shave went that day. Example: Refreshed a couple of razors this morning. One in particular has not been giving a good shave for a while. Ran it over the 8k followed by a few laps on a 12k and a long stropping session. No HHT test, just a slight thumbnail test. Shaved decently and will use again tomorrow with a long stropping session before use and I know it will be good and mellower than today's shave. Basically, good honing or refreshing followed by crox and a long stropping session will give you the shaves you desire. Of course, paying attention to the quality of your lather and the angles you use for shaving different parts of your face will all contribute to daily success.