Thread: Having some troubles getting a good shave

I just want to add that the beginning is obviously the most difficult time for anyone trying to learn straigh razor shaving because there are several variables that could be giving you a bad shave including an improperly honed razor, rolled edge from poor stroping technique, bad beard prep, and bad shaving technique. If you were able to get good DE shaves then I do not think that the prep is your problem. If you got your razor honed by Lynn then an improperly honed razor definately could not have been your problem. The only variables that this leaves would be bad straight razor shaving technique or you rolling the edge due to poor stroping technique (which would make it impossible to get a good shave regardless of your technique). If you managed to roll the edge with the Dovo strop then you will also definately roll the edge again with the Tony Miller strop if you use the same technique.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

The Dovo strop is fine. I have been using one for several months without any problems. It is also very possible that your shaving technique is the problem since many people have a significant learning curve with the technique. Lynn has offered to assess your razor to see if you damaged it while stropping, so if I were you I would take him up on that offer if your shaves don't improve in the next few days.

I appreciate Lynn very much !!
I bought his DVD and watched it many times and read many of his stuff here
The problem is that I am from Israel, so sending things to USA and getting from there will cost me a lot even if the sharp itself will be free (I guess it is 15$ to each side, so it will be at least 30$ if not more)

Any way I want to learn a thing or two, this is the all point here, not?
How can I know what am I doing wrong? and how can I fix it?

and if stroping is my problem, how can I fix it? so I can strop good? I have seen many movies and read a lot, but still not sure I am doing it right at all

Let me add that if you dulled the edge with the strop, it is not very likely that you will succeed to improve the edge with any of your nice stones on your own (without using another blade to practice, or wearing your new good TI quite a bit while you learn)

Do some sharpness tests, if OK - watch the prep and shaving angles and try again. If sharpness tests don't give encouraging results - send it back to Lynn, who has generously offered to fix it for you. Also, try some skype sessions - stropping, honing - maybe even shaving... Do you have Lynn's DVD? Might be a good idea to pick it up when you send the razor for a free fix, Lynn is saving you the $ anyway

Good luck
Ivo

Maybe you could meet a member virtually in cyberspace on Skype or something for a couple of honing lessons?

X

I think the problem is with my stroping, I might have used to much presure on it
What can be done now?
Can't I fix it on my own?
I do appreciate Lynn generous offer, but you have to understand that I am not from USA, so sending it will cost me a buck or two

EAD - I do understand, of course. I am sure someone in Israel can hone a razor - but I can't help you there. Europe isn't that far either, maybe someone there can help you... It still seems Lynn's DVD is a good idea, regardless of what you do with the razor.

One thing I am afraid of: you'll try to save shipping to Lynn and ruin your new TI.

Of course, you may be lucky. I don't think I ever ruined an edge. I started learning by touching up my most expensive razor (I had an ebay special but it was so dull that I didn't have the parience to fix it on the only barber hone that I had at the time). My first edges honemeister were from Joe Chandler, and I never managed to roll them stropping.

It's your razor, your $, your call to take whatever risks you prefer.

Good luck
Ivo