Thread: My First SR Shave... OUCH!

Originally Posted by Lynn

Sorry, but your advice is not correct.

Whether you buy a $1,000 razor or a $10 razor, you still need to learn to use it. Many people who try, do mess up an edge on a strop or have problems because they take on an entire shave without proper beard prep or without ensuring they are using the proper angle for the razor to shave nicely.

We have had many members also frustrated when trying to learn to hone with a similar thought process. They tell us they have sharpened knives and tools their entire lives and yet still have to learn that a straight razor is a different animal.

We have seen many many people who come on the forums with similar concerns and then come back a couple weeks later and are amazed at the difference that couple weeks of practice and learning has helped them. The Dovo Bismarck is actually one of their better shavers.

Thanks,

Lynn

Hello Numi,

There is one thing here that I believe has not been covered and that is your face also needs to become accustomed to the fact that an extremely sharp blade is being passed over it. It is my belief that your face needs to become as used to the razor as you need to become adept at shaving with that razor. With a sharp edge, which you had, properly stropped, which may or may not have happened, with good preparation, washing/showering with warm water, with good lather, another maybe, and once you learn the movement of the blade on your face, you WILL get a good shave.

Much needs to be learned, none need yet to be blamed . Ask Lynn to re-hone the razor and start again, this time with no additional stropping - just in case, just in case, it may have been your enthusiastic stropping which may have exacerbated your problems.

good luck, good shaving, and careful with the stropping

I second that. Your skin needs to get used to such a sharp edge running down (or up) your face.

I remember my first shave on a straight it hurted like hell! My skin was not used to that much level of sharp, plus my technique was poor. The second shave was painfull as well, but not that much.

Now I can enjoy nice shaves, no pain at all, and I really enjoy the act of shaving. It goes from hell to heaven. You just need to find which is the correct way to shave for you and stick to that (I found out perfect shave for me is to go ATG).

Just keep trying, it is really worth the pain at the very beginning for an extremely nice shave