BBS with Pulling

[GoTeeGuy]

I've been using a str8 for the past month and have had great success so far. I've managed to get BBS on all my shaves; however, I do find that my razor tends to pull a bit. This has become less evident in my recent shaves (and irritation / burn is next to none), but I would like to reduce this pulling further.

I honed the razor (a Wapienica) myself on a Norton 4k/8k and have a Tony Miller #4 Starter Strop as well. I typically give about 20 laps on the "rough" side of the strop followed by about 40 - 60 laps on the finished side.

Will going back to the 8k for a few laps help with this?

- Ken -

[JMS]

I've been using a str8 for the past month and have had great success so far. I've managed to get BBS on all my shaves; however, I do find that my razor tends to pull a bit. This has become less evident in my recent shaves (and irritation / burn is next to none), but I would like to reduce this pulling further.

I honed the razor (a Wapienica) myself on a Norton 4k/8k and have a Tony Miller #4 Starter Strop as well. I typically give about 20 laps on the "rough" side of the strop followed by about 40 - 60 laps on the finished side.

Will going back to the 8k for a few laps help with this?

- Ken -

It might help, but it sounds like your technique is the problem due to the fact that the pulling has become less and less evident with practice!

[heavydutysg135]

That sounds like a good idea to me.

[Friggin Joe]

I get pulling under almost all conditions in some areas. Holding the skin tighter and smaller strokes helps.

[JoshEarl]

Is the pulling uncomfortable? Most guys seem to have some level of this with a straight. The Feather AC is the only razor I've used that doesn't pull at all. It uses machine sharpened blades. But it's so sharp that it will give you razor burn if you don't really concentrate.

My straights are more forgiving on the skin but don't quite have that same effortless glide. I prefer to keep my skin intact.

It sounds like you're doing really well with your honing at this stage, though. You might consider getting a pasted strop or coticule to take the edge up a notch.

Josh

[thebigspendur]

To me when a razor starts to pull its a sign they need some quality time on the coticule. None of my razors pull, I wouldn't tolerate it. If you are sure your technique is not at fault i would either try a pasted strop or a few passes on the 8K. If you have a 12K use that.

[sebell]

Shaving with the heel or toe leading a bit should cut
down on the pulling sensation while you get the blade
to where you want it.

- Scott

[JoshEarl]

"Pulling" is probably a subjective term.

For me, though, even the best honed straight hits some resistence as I shave my chin. It's gentle and not at all painful, but it's not the same glide I get from a Feather. I have a pretty tough beard, however. Maybe not everyone experiences this.

Josh

[Sunsi]

Yeah same here. The only place I get pull is on the chin, but then I have to go xtg on my chin first pass due to my facial hair arrangement. I use the "chevron" approach on the rest of my face and done get any pull anywhere.

Si

[GoTeeGuy]

Thanks for everyone's input...

The "pulling" sensation isn't really that uncomfortable, but moreso than I'd like. I also find that it is much better when I concentrate on stretching the skin more; however, this does not eliminate the sensation entirely. I will likely purchase a pasted strop in the future as I believe this may help, but for the time being I'd prefer to focus on using my existing tools (i.e., hone and strop) to their fullest potential. (I'm a bit of a minimalist, so less is better IMO.)

FWIW, I did give the razor a few more laps on the 8k, but have not found this to have produced much of an improvement. In fact, I think the most marked improvement has been from giving the razor more time on the strop. Unfortunately, though, I am still unable to pass the HHT... I'm beginning to think the HHT is more of a myth like unicorns and butterflies.

I've only been using str8's for the past month and have always anticipated a bit of a learning curve, so - needless to say - I am very pleased with my progress so far. I'll definitely be sticking with str8's.

- Ken -