Thread: Uncomfortable first shave

I just got my new Edwin Jagger razor back from honing yesterday. Unfortunetely, I can't really say my first shave was that comfortable. Sure, my technique most probably isn't particularly good, but I can't say I see myself shaving with this razor as easy as in those videos I've seen.

Shaving the cheeks works. It cuts, although not close at all. Going against the grain cuts a bit closer, but soon it just feels like the blade is jumping over the hairs, instead of cutting through them.

When I'm trying to shave under the chin and down at the neck, the blade just stops at the hairs and doesn't cut through. Feels really umcomfortable. Again, just like the blade wants to jump over the hairs.

I think I have pretty tough beard and it really grows in all kinds of directions. And even if I try to follow the grain, it just feels wrong.

Can this all be a cause of my bad technique? Or is my beard just incompatible with a straight razor?

Hey Tobias

I know it can be frustrating at first but it all takes time and practice. You said it had been sent away to be honed? Who did it for you? Also, you dont mention what sort of pre-shave routine you went thru- stropping the razor and hot towel/lather etc. How did they go?

Back in the day EVERY guy who didnt want a beard had to use a straight. Every one. I dont think its your beard thats incompatible. But then again I dont think its all technique either...

How long have you been straight razor shaving Tobias?

Oh and can I venture that if a mod reads this the thread be moved to the Newbie section for two reasons:

1) Tobias is more likely to get the help he is looking for and deserves if the thread is in there.

and

2) Any newcomers experiencing the same problems will appreciate reading this thread in there.

Just my suggestion.

I would bet it's just a matter of training. The guys in the videos have been shaving with straight razors for years. Remember when you learned to ride a bike.... it takes time to get the technique down, but once it's there it looks easy. Just be patient...
Shave just one spot wtg until you are comfortable with that spot. Finnish with your regular shaving apparatus.
Tomorrow (or when you are comfortable) extend the spot. You have your whole straight shaving "career" in front of you.
Relax, take your time and enjoy it.

Have you bought a strop yet?

I would also suggest that you buy Lynn's dvd. It's absolutely worth the money (and much more).

I agree with Sidney and Otto. It often takes a little time for the shaver and his face to get accustomed to to the new tool. If you've got a sharp razor, honed by a honemeister and are stropping it carefully before the shave you should see improvement over the course of the next few weeks.

X

My routine is
1) shower
2) shaving soap applied with brush
3) shave
4) alcoholfree after shave balm

My absolutely first shave was directly after I got the razor. I found it uncomfortable and had been reading that most new razors aren't really shave ready, therefore I sent it for honing to know what sharp is. Now when I got i back, I can't say there's much difference.

I've ordered a strop, but the honemeister also stropped it so it should have been shave ready this time. It wasn't done by anyone from the forum. I sent to a barber shop here in Sweden.

Anyway, thanks for all the answers. I'll most definitely continue trying until I get it right. It's pretty fun even if it's uncomfortable.

I know its a pain but if you are seeing no difference then i'd consider sending it to someone from the forum. Your face is a better judge of sharpness than any test the barber will do. If I had the skill in honing i'd offer to do it for you. Bottom line- if it doesnt feel sharp,it isnt sharp.

You can REALLY tell when a razor is as sharp as it should be!

EDIT: Oh and BTW in my opinion that is an excellent pre-shave routine.

Originally Posted by Tobias

My routine is
1) shower
2) shaving soap applied with brush
3) shave
4) alcohol free after shave balm

My absolutely first shave was directly after I got the razor. I found it uncomfortable and had been reading that most new razors aren't really shave ready, therefore I sent it for honing to know what sharp is. Now when I got i back, I can't say there's much difference.

I've ordered a strop, but the honemeister also stropped it so it should have been shave ready this time. It wasn't done by anyone from the forum. I sent to a barber shop here in Sweden.

Anyway, thanks for all the answers. I'll most definitely continue trying until I get it right. It's pretty fun even if it's uncomfortable.

Tobias... i would never recommend shaving without first stropping at least 20 laps on leather. I know that there are some folks who say it is OK to skip stropping when you first get a razor from a honemeister but i would still strop

also do you know anything about how (what sort of stones ) were used to hone your razor, or perhaps how often the shop actually gets the opportunity to really hone a razor.

stropping and a low blade angle are your best friends.

Have you tried to test shave a (small) portion of your forearm (be careful), to see how sharp it is?
- Then wait until you get your strop.....

Originally Posted by syslight

Tobias... i would never recommend shaving without first stropping at least 20 laps on leather. I know that there are some folks who say it is OK to skip stropping when you first get a razor from a honemeister but i would still strop

But the honemeister said he had stropped it, so it should have been stropped. Don't know for how many laps, though.

I'll try and see if I can get a better shave after stropping as soon as my strop arrives.


Otto: I just tried and, sure, the hairs are falling off like if they were cut already. But my beard is much tougher, so it doesn't really say anything. Especially when I don't have any other razor to compare it to.

It seems like the very most important things for a comfortable straight shave for me are:

1. Sharp blade (of course)

2. Proper prep

3. Correct blade angle

4. Very little pressure

5. And last, yet most important... how much the skin is stretched. The more the better. Whenever I get a spot that's not working out well, it seems like the solution is to stretch it a bit more. More stretch = closer shave, less irritation. Xman's one-handed video shows some great skin stretching techniques. Just make sure your wife doesn't come in while you're watching them.... she'll laugh herself unconscious when she sees you making shaving faces.