Thread: I can't get a proper shave with a straight

Originally Posted by Rachmaninov

I'll keep trying I guess. I really don't want to quit. Just wish my technique would improve with time (hopefully). Thanks!

I'm in the same boat as you. I've been using a SR for about a month at most and I still finish with my DE after the first pass. You technique will improve, I know mine has. Keep at it and don't get discouraged.

Your words are so true, I'm a rook and I appreciate that advice don't be afraid to fall, but even more don't be afraid to get back up, with patience and persistence it will happen, all my shaves are sweet even when I get the rare nick it teaches technique, technique.

Get advice my man love to hear from the Vet's

Originally Posted by Rachmaninov

I have a brand new Wacker which was professionally honed and stropped and it's been two weeks since I started shaving with it and I still have to touch up with my DE...

The most problematic areas are the neck and chin. My beard growth is all over the place on my neck. Cheeks and moustache areas are ok. I wish I had a normal growth like most people. I'm also cursed with a very course beard and sensitive skin. I get the smoothest shaves with my safety DE razor but starting to feel like the straight is just not for me...

What to do? I feel like it's getting pointless to try getting a smooth shave with a straight. Maybe I should just sell it and stick to my DE...I don't know...maybe it's my technique?

P.S. It's not the prep...I know how to prep myself and I consider myself an expert DE shaver. I shave my head with a DE in like 15 minutes with no mirror. No cuts or anything. Feather blades always.

I see encouraging post here, to keep working on your techniques and be patient. However your technique may not be the problem. I ordered and received a new Dovo best quality 6/8 razor last week. It was "Professionally Honed and Stopped" it must be shave ready. So I did 10 strokes on linean and 60 strokes on English bridle. The shave was awful. My cheeks were shavette quality at best and my neck and chin after about 5 passes still had stuble. I let it go for the night and shaved the next day with my vintage Bismarck and it was a close shave so what was the problem....went back to the Dovo and the strop. 100 strokes on chromium oxide...100 strokes English bridle...60 strokes linean .....another 100 strokes English bridle....shaved with it an hour ago and it was a comfortable shave no irritation no razor burn just a bbs shave and only 2 passes. Left me saying oh yea. Don't be afraid to strop a new razor. Many times it is technique but it can also be the razor. Hope you figure out your situation and stick with sr shaving. I think you will be more than pleased when you get it down.

Hey guys, the OP is a banned user so he won't answer anymore to all the encouragement.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Hey guys, the OP is a banned user so he won't answer anymore to all the encouragement.

Bob

Thanks Bob

Originally Posted by Rachmaninov

I have a brand new Wacker which was professionally honed and stropped and it's been two weeks since I started shaving with it and I still have to touch up with my DE...

The most problematic areas are the neck and chin. My beard growth is all over the place on my neck. Cheeks and moustache areas are ok. I wish I had a normal growth like most people. I'm also cursed with a very course beard and sensitive skin. I get the smoothest shaves with my safety DE razor but starting to feel like the straight is just not for me...

What to do? I feel like it's getting pointless to try getting a smooth shave with a straight. Maybe I should just sell it and stick to my DE...I don't know...maybe it's my technique?

P.S. It's not the prep...I know how to prep myself and I consider myself an expert DE shaver. I shave my head with a DE in like 15 minutes with no mirror. No cuts or anything. Feather blades always.

I have the exact same problem and started to think the same thing. I couldn't find much on YouTube in regards to technique around the neck area but I started experimenting with technique. One thing that I am experimenting with is canting my razor at an angle after my against the grain pass. So just as you are to do another ATG pass tilt the razor from parallel to the ground to having the sharp edge about 10 degrees or less against the stubble left behind but still move your hand upward like you would normally. In other words the only difference between this pass and the ATG pass is the angle in which the razor is held. This may be common sense to most people here but this is just what I learned from experience. Hopefully that makes sense and helps in some way. Just take it easy the first couple of times. Also, sometimes it helps to use the opposite hand to whichever side of your neck that you are shaving.