Thread: Sharp Enough Razor?

Fritz is right on here! There are also other variable as others have pointed out, such as grind and technique. I would suggest buying a Wapi ( for cost) or a Le Grelot 1/4 hollow, and both for their shave ability with tougher beards. I would normally suggest a wedge to a regular straight shaver, but considering you have only used a disposable, I wouldn't reccomend this to you, for honing stroping reasons.

Needless to say I think once you get a pre-honed quality razor such as the ones I have mentioned you will find with little or no pressure the hair will fall right off.

I would suggest a good hot shower though, or at the very least a hot towel for 4 or 5 min, I don't think a little splashing of warm water will be sufficient for a tough beard. Also, it couldn't hurt to apply a little pre-shave oil to your beard after the shower, from my knowledge Poraso has menthol in it, I don't think that will really soften your beard the way a pre-shave oil can.

Then get yourself a sensitive shave cream with extra moisturizers to help lubricate and soften the beard even further. TOBS or such has that type of cream u need and seek.

Straight razor shaving is an art and combination of many traditions and hand made items, good brush,good shave cream/soap, and technique for building lather, and getting your beard prepped.

This is not like shaving as we've learned from Gilette. It requires a lot more prepping and time.

Ok good luck.

Cheers
D

I've noticed that most of the time when I think a razor isn't sharp enough, it's actually my hand letting the razor drift to too high of an angle.

If you are interested in seeing the difference, pm me and I will send you a real razor you can try. Keep it for a week or so, and when you are done with it you can disinfect it and send it back to me.

Ray

Just to add to Fritz's excellent post, Derbys have a rep of being "forgiving". If you were to get hold of a Feather you'd see what a sharp DE blade was. In addition the lack of thickness and body in the DE blade compared to the straight makes quite a difference. I loved shaving with a DE once I learned how to do it correctly with proper preparation.

Once I discovered the wonderful shaves I get from a true straight razor I never again picked up a DE. Take Rayman up on his generous offer and my guess is you'll never look back either.