Thread: pulling and razor burn

Hello all,

Very new to sraight razors and am having some trouble.

I purchased a razor (J.A. Henckles) from an antique store and sent it out to be honed professionally. When it arrived, I wanted to experience what "sharp" not only felt like, but what it looked like. The first thing I did was to grab a 20x loupe and take a peek at the edge. It was even through out the length of the blade, had a very distinct sheen and was absent any nicks. This was certainly better than any honing result that I had ever achieved myself, so I was very pleased.

The next thing done was to shave with the razor. The note from the honemeister stated that stropping was not reguired as the razor was shave ready. Therefor I did not strop. I then, only attempted one cheek for appraisal. I noticed a certain amount of pull and scratchiness which I attributed to my lack of experience. As time has gone by the pulling has become more pronounced. In order to get something acceptable I have to increase the blade angle to an extreme degree. About three spine widths seem to be required. There also is a considerable audible sound as the blade cuts the whiskers. All in all this is not a very comfortable experience and I can get a closer shave with one of those dime store throw away plastic razors. I have stropped the razor but that seems to have very little effect.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing? Do I need more practice perhaps?

Any help/suggesstions would be greatly appreciated.

Hey Nu,

First, the sound is common with hollow ground blades and not so noticeable as the grind approaches wedge grinds.

As for the pulling, a good beard prep usually helps out there along with a good shave cream and a proper angle. Try shaving after a hot shower and shave right after it using a good shave cream or soap. Check the reviews for good stuff to lather with. In a pinch you can use William's shave soap available at most US CVS or Walgreens.

Sometimes if you start the blade over your whiskers it will tug on the hairs as the blade is reaching your skin. Except for the first stroke try starting over an area you already shaved and do't get the the new whiskers until the blade is on your skin. Stretch your skin so it is flat in the area you are shaving. Straight blades are about 3 inches long and most of the time the complete length is not on you skin. Stretching helps. Use a very light pressure, almost none. Take short strokes and take your time. Just shave your sideburns and cheeks until you can shave them comfortably. For a while try shaving in the evening when you may have more time to focus instead of the morning.

What are you stropping on and how long are you stropping? How many shaves have you performed since the blade was honed.

If you are still having issues after a week of trying these tips and those others may post here drop me a PM.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Joed

Hey Nu,
Sometimes if you start the blade over your whiskers it will tug on the hairs as the blade is reaching your skin.

Thanks for mentioning this. I've noticed a little pulling myself when starting my shaves, but then once I get going the blade seems to shave fine. When you hear "shouldn't pull" a person tends to think, "never pull." At least that's where my mind goes. This will help me better assess my blades.

+1 so far, cant stress how important beard prep,blade angle and stretching the skin is let us know what you do for prep so maybe we can get a better idea of all the variables.

An obvious question is whether you have a quality razor with good metal? Possibly, it is a subpar razor that HAS truly deteriorated rapidly.

Personally, I don't think a razor should ever pull. That's one of the primary symtoms of a dull razor. You can experiment with blade angles and watch your pressure but if its still doing it it's not shave ready.

Thanks to all for the input. I will try a lengthier beard prep.

Along with beard prep and such that have already been mentioned you will need a good thick lather from your shaving soap or cream,to make your beard soft enough and your skin slippery enough. The wiki here has lots on lathers.

Originally Posted by Nu2this

Hello all,

The note from the honemeister stated that stropping was not reguired as the razor was shave ready. Therefor I did not strop.

Just checking-- are you stropping the razor now? The "do not strop" note is meant for the first shave only.

-Chief

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

Just checking-- are you stropping the razor now? The "do not strop" note is meant for the first shave only.

-Chief

Yes I have started stropping and am trying to better prepare my beard ala Lynns dvd. Hot shower, warm lather, hot towel to face, re-lather, shave with a light touch and try for the correct angle.

The result has improved but still get that burning sensation and resultant red splotches on cheeks . For now I'll keep on trying to improve tecknique. I'm still some what confused as to this angle stuff. I looked at the Jockey's video and at times it looks like that blade is 90 degrees to his skin!!----------------OH Welllllll

Thanks for asking.