Thread: experiencing some tug.

When i use my straight razor i experience some tug. I know the blade is plenty sharp I strop it before and after each shave and it will have hair without touching skin. also I build customs knives for a living so I am well versed in edge geometry. I use a shave soap and build a good bowl lather. Would a pre shave oil be something i should look in to?

Originally Posted by McCormick

When i use my straight razor i experience some tug. I know the blade is plenty sharp I strop it before and after each shave and it will have hair without touching skin. also I build customs knives for a living so I am well versed in edge geometry. I use a shave soap and build a good bowl lather. Would a pre shave oil be something i should look in to?

Maybe try some preshave, but I tend to have my best shaves with shave creams.

maybe an angle thing while shaving?

Tugging is a symptom of a not sharp enough razor. Of course technique could play a role too.

Very often knife makers discover razors are a very different animal as opposed to knives and their experience with knives can actually be a detriment.

Just saying.

maybe build more cusnhion in the lather,

I think there have been some good points. For me a good shave has several factors beyond my edge. I use Noxema for a little extra glide and skin protection, it is suppose to soften whiskers too, I am not an oil fan but that being said I still recommend you try some, some people swear by it, and your face is not my face. After prep there are a few while shaving things that make a difference, angle is huge and skin stretching is essential. I don't remember skin stretching being a big deal when I was young but it sure is now. I did take a twenty year hiatus from shaving. There is also the whole beard map that will help you find what stroke work best where. It is kind of multi faceted so if you can eliminate a few variables it certainly narrows the field. Who sharpened your razor might be a good question.

I would go back to your 1K stone and reset the bevel. It sounds like your blade isn't sharp enough. Investing in one of these will help your S.R. honing skills.

A wetter, thinner, lather works better for S.R. shaving. A thick lather creates more suction resulting in the blade sticking to your cheeks.


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I dunno, if you add a preshave you might be masking the real problem by doing so. I'd be inclined to suspect the edge and/or technique contributing to the tugging if the lather is good.

Bob

Are you properly hydrating your facial hair? If not it could cause some tugging too. Try shaving first thing after you shower. Keep you face wet until you lather it.

I think Shaun (Rezdog) has captured the possibilities. I'd bet on stretching and angle if your lather seems right. Oils don't do anything for me, but there are place where you can get samples, which might be something to try. Good luck!

http://www.maggardrazors.com/product...shave-samples/