Thread: Second SR shave comments/questions

Hello,
A few days ago I did my first SR shave which I shared on the Forum. Thanks for all the great feedback.

It took a few days to grow out to do my second shave.

This second shave was different and in a good way. It took thirty one minutes start to finish. Thanks to some members feedback I tried some new things:
1. Shave on the lather.
2. Hold razor loosely to be sensitive to the push back of the hair.
3. If the hair resists back off, don't try to push and force.

I tried different angles as well.

I may have gotten one super tiny cut. I'm not sure because of all the lather. If I did it went away upon applying the cold towel at the end.

It was a close shave but when I towel off I noticed there were still a lot of hairs on the face but they are very short. With more practice, technique and experimenting with XTG and ATG it will be even closer.

I also put shave oil on the blade after finishing. I applied it with one finger along each side of the blade including the edge. The edge was oiled parallel so I didn't cut my finger. Then I put the oiled blade back in the scales. Did I do this right?

Thanks for your support,
July10newbie

Congratulations

Great to hear you're still doing well, but it's only shave #2. You'll get better with time.
We say 100 shaves and you're finally getting it.

The hairs still there are just a beginners thing. Once your stropping, prep, angle and technique improve so will the results.
Don't get too over zealous, it all comes in time my friend

Keep at it and watch your progress

You do not have to perform a full three pass shave when you first start. When I was new, I learned to shave WTG only and then completed the shave with a DE razor. Then I learned to shave ATG and XTG. I also learned to shave with either hand.

Although I can shave three passes with a straight, there are some parts of my jawline and chin that are difficult to get close enough with a three-pass SR shave. Thus, my current routine is to shave WTG and ATG with a straight and then do a third clean-up pass XTG with a DE. While this may not be the method used by most SR razors, it works for me, my beard and my face. Straight razors and DE razors are just tools to get a job done, so use available tools in the manner that gets the job done for you.

Finishing with a DE (while you start) is a great way to map your beard. Sounds like you're on the right track though!

Shave oil?
Putting oil on your blade help to cut down on rust and is a good thing. But when you say shave oil, it brings to mind what you use prep. Like a preshave item. I dont close up my razor till the next day as i shave at night and put it out of reach of tiny hands until i get ready for work in the morning. This way it has plenty of time to dry. Then if im not going to use it for a week or more, i will then oil and put it away.

The stubble left on your face happens because of what we call beard reduction. With each pass of the razor in directions, you knock 8t down shorter and shorter with each pass. Some folks can be clean shaven with two passes some it takes three. Others like myself do 3 and are happy with what is still left on the face as it might take 4 or 5 to come clean and thats just going to cause irritation. Not worth it.

Keep at it. Take your time. 31 minutes isnt bad. It will go faster soon. I spend 35 minutes to shower and shave 3 passes. Some can do it much faster. Its not a race. Enjoy the alone time and i recommend to keep the bathroom door closed. You dont need distractions of any kind with that razor in your hand. And one last thing. If you shave after showering, be sure t9 put on some 8tem of clothing before shaving. You want to keep all 21 digits in tack!

WTG. Congrats on the shave.

You mentioned that you were still seeing hairs. Either live with the results of your straight shave, or finish with your previous method. Don't chase it with a straight, it will come to you.

Thanks for all the responses.
My new questions are:

Is the reason there are still hairs left on my face because 1) My strop technique is not good and the blade is dull? or 2) I didn't apply enough pressure? I tried to follow the guideline of holding the razor loosely and backing off when the hairs resisted the blade. That is why I didn't cut myself except for a possible tiny cut which dissolved with the wet cold towel at the end. 3)Does applying more pressure cut off more hairs and is it advised?

I meant razor oil not shave oil. 4) Did I do the right thing by drying the razor and applying razor oil on both sides of the blade and edge? I did this with one finger being careful to remain parallel to the blade so as to not cut my finger on the edge. Then I closed the blade into the scales. Is that the way to do this?

Thanks,
July10Newbie

Using more pressure is almost never a good thing.

When you bought the razor, was it sold as "shave ready" from a reputable source? If it's not truly sharp, that could result in poor cutting. Also, don't expect to mow everything down with one pass. Even with a perfect edge, most newbies aren't going to get clean shaven with one pass.

Oiling the razor is not a bad thing, but I find it is not needed for a razor that is in regular use. Here in humid South Carolina, I do not oil mine unless they're being stored. I keep my razors AWAY from my humid bathroom, in a dresser drawer. In this drawer are several homemade desiccant packs: pantyhose sections filled with rice. After using a razor, I dry it with tissue and blow out the pivot area several times, until it is dry. It is left open for 24 hours to dry, then it goes into the rice drawer.

You mentioned angles. Think in terms of spine widths. I rarely use an angle steeper than 2 spine widths, except for under my nose, and for trimming the side burns or a beard edge.

I'll say the hairs are still there because of technique. It'll get better with time.
Please don't apply more pressure, you'll regret it!!

As said, oil isn't needed for a razor in regular rotation/use. But stropping on your linen after you dry it off will be sure the edge is clean and dry.

Keep at it, you're doing fine