Thread: Straight razor shaving

Hello everyone,

Back a few years ago i was using a Gillette razor not bad to be honest but they always left me with spots after use, it was starting to drive me a bit crazy!! so i moved onto the straight razor after many attempts i got the hang of it and it's like a dream now but i am still having the spot problem but not as much....

Is there anyway i can avoid spots from shaving or am i doomed for life ?? This is about a spot problem they are not on my blade??????? lol

Maybe it's the razor?? will i have to buy a new straight razor for sale from the barbers???

Thanks

If you mean missed, less than satisfactorily smooth areas with remaining whiskers then regardless of razor, checking for missed spots with your fingertips, gently stretching the skin and re-lathering and gently shaving in different directions will often result in a completely smooth, close shave.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

PS: Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Thanks jeff,

This was useful because i never re-lather once i have shaved off the first layer of foam i go dry after that this might actually be the solution to my spot problem??

It's the spots driving me crazy more than the shave, maybe where i am storing the blade??

And what do you think to this razor??

Thanks again Jeff

I have a couple of thoughts. You said foam, which makes me think of canned shaving foam. It is not anywhere near as good as a nice soap and a good brush. A nice wet lather, a low blade angle, nice tight skin and a light touch works for me. Pre shave makes a difference for many. There are varying degrees of prep. Some a super simple and just use a cold water splash and a cold water shave, others use a pre shave cream like Proraso or Noxema and there are more, some shower and then lather and then put a hot towel on and then relater and start their shave. The point is you need to figure out what makes your zen shave. I use Noxema but that is about it for me. Also a proper shave ready edge on a decent razor is important too.

Well, I'm confused. When you mentioned spots I thought they were on your face but then you asked about storage of the blade. Are the spots on your razor or on your face?

Regarding that razor in the photo, it is a terrible and expensive joke. You cannot have two razor grinds in one razor if you want it to be able to be honed.

Yes my friend foam, this also might be the cause to my problem! do you know a good brand where i can get the soap and brush together?? I see the local barbers putting hot towels over the customers faces to open the paws, but it is a lot of sitting around i am like a go man get the three S's of my day done quick in the morning and off to my first job. I never stand still haha

Thanks Rez

Originally Posted by Utopian

Well, I'm confused. When you mentioned spots I thought they were on your face but then you asked about storage of the blade. Are the spots on your razor or on your face?

Regarding that razor in the photo, it is a terrible and expensive joke. You cannot have two razor grinds in one razor if you want it to be able to be honed.

Obviously Utopian, the spots are on my face but lets say i leave my razor in an unhygienic place which i don't believe i do! could this effect my face or is it the foam???

And for the razor fair enough i din't know that you couldn't shave with a double blade... i am a beginner and only shave myself.

Thanks for the razor advice though

I have no idea where you are. I see what it says but I am geography challenged.
I am going to guess US. Straight Razor Designs is one of many good spots to shop for a brush and soap. Personally I stick with the old European soaps. They are very good and are also inexpensive. To name a few, LEA, Tabac, Volobra, Spec, Proraso, LaToja
As far as a brush goes, there is a wide selection to choose from. Again my personal preference is silver tip badger with a low loft. At this point you can get almost anything and it will improve your experience.
Most of the guys here seem to be more into the taking their time and getting the most comfortable and close shave. Rushing and shaving does not often end well for me. I am a relax and enjoy the moment shaver, as opposed to just getting through a chore.

Originally Posted by cutthroat2016

Hello everyone,
Is there anyway i can avoid spots from shaving or am i doomed for life ?? This is about a spot problem they are not on my blade??????? lol
Thanks

Here is a site that makes my life easier by having a map of the different grain directions of my face. Makes stretching and razor directing a lot quicker.
When you open the site, go to "HELP" and that will give good directions for the map set up and use.
http://www.pbjsite.com/shave/whiskarmap/

I've not noticed anyone posting this site for quite a while. Have fun!
~Richard
PS, If you are a perfectionist, It will take a while to get used to using the map site. It is worth the time spent if you can improve your shaving ease.

http://www.pbjsite.com/shave/whiskarmap/
I get there from two different sites. I don't believe i am a member of them.

If they don't work Google ""shave face map""
Sorry the link didn't work for you!

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have no idea where you are. I see what it says but I am geography challenged.

Stapleford is UK I believe, about an hour out of Sheffield actually. Being in that region I would believe a plethora of quality vintage razors would be available, but maybe not. Still good advice RezDog, SRD is a great place to find quality items. You will never see a razor like this one posted for sale there- for good reason.


Welcome to SRP! If you're in the market for a straight razor I also highly recommend the classifieds section here. This is a great place with helpful members full of good advice.