Originally Posted by
English
I find these discussions interesting. It really does show that we are all individuals and what works for one man doesn't always work for another.
For me it's simple. When I go to shave in the morning, I expect my straight razor to shave against the grain as easily as a throw away razor will. If a blade hangs against the grain it isn't sharp enough and I will not give it shelf space. Life is just too short.I like to enjoy my morning shave just as much as I enjoy my breakfast.
What is clear to me is that some men have tougher beards than others and some razors take a sharper edge than others.
I agree that good preparation is essential, but for me, a blade that hangs against the beard is just not sharp enough. So I would check this out first. If after a professional sharpening, the problem persists, I'd look to getting a different razor that holds a sharper edge.
Unfortunately, it is this aspect of straight razor shaving that doesn't really get enough airing. Finding a suitable razor takes time, patience and sometimes, a little money.
I have owned probably 100 straight razors and I would say 10 of them were just too old to be used, 50 of them did not suit me and 40 of them I could get a good shave from any morning with some slightly better than others. The 50 that did not suit me were all really good razors. Some were too heavy, some the blade size didn't suit, some did not hold an edge sharp enough for me, some were too stiff a blade for me, etc.,etc.,
One thing is certain, one man's meat is another man's poison.
In conclusion, you may have to change your razor.