Thread: Straight razor and thick beard

Hi, I'm 22yo from Israel so I have a very thick, Mediterranean beard.

I brought a shave-ready half-hollow (Geneva cutlery) SR from a reputable guy named Roctraitor (wicked edge).
Problem is I can't shave properly with the SR, because my hair is so thick, it pulls even with shaving right off the shower. And even when shaving, it's hard to catch hair with it.

I use a shallow angle and following the tips on the internet, but it is too painful for me to shave with it. In addition, I'm using Stirling soap and a good brush.

I am 100% convinced that the razor is shave ready,
(he is a reputable guy and I did the arm hair test, and I didn't nick myself and etc)
and I don't got any problems with SE / DE / Electric shaving
(in fact, my 1912 gem is so good!!)

How come a straight can't shave and pulls my thick hairs.
How come I see guys in youtube cutting their whole beard,
while I can't even cut through 3 days / 1 day of stubble.

Thanks!

godTiller, since you are in Israel contact manah, one of our mentors. He can inspect your razor to see if it is really shave ready and most likely hone it for you. He is also a par excellence razor restorer.

Welcome from SE Washington State USA.

As Razorfeld has said there is local help here's the link to PM him:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/manah.html

I had an apprentice who had a beard that sounds very much like yours. It would tear up a full hollow razors edge. I helped him purchase a 1/4 grind and it held up much better.

With that said, if you razor isn't indeed truly shave ready it will only frustrate you. PM Mana and see what he can do for you.

Hang in there. This age old art has a huge learning curve but once semi mastered is very rewarding.

It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey :TU

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Welcome from SE Washington State USA.

As Razorfeld has said there is local help here's the link to PM him:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/manah.html

I had an apprentice who had a beard that sounds very much like yours. It would tear up a full hollow razors edge. I helped him purchase a 1/4 grind and it held up much better.

With that said, if you razor isn't indeed truly shave ready it will only frustrate you. PM Mana and see what he can do for you.

Hang in there. This age old art has a huge learning curve but once semi mastered is very rewarding.

It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey :TU

Thanks to you both, I pm'ed him.

Yes unless your a cyborg with cable for a beard, then I don't agree with you that your confident about the edge, Your new and your technique is probably the biggest issue, but a properly honed razor cuts hair, period. Superman and chuck Norris are the only guys who can't shave! Contact Manah and get a good edge on it or even meet him to show you what's your doing wrong. Good luck. Tc. By the way I use my beard hair for the bristles on my wire brush wheel. Lol

I grow wire. The straight razor has no problem with it.