Thread: New shaver- somewhat discouraged

Hi Folks,

1st time post here, though I have lurked for quite a while. I am an experienced DE shaver who recently has been trying on str8 shaving. I acquired a razor from Laz on the Yahoo boards, a 4-sided strop from Tony, and have been shaving with the str8 on and off for a couple of weeks.

Not having any experience base, I am unsure what to expect from the str8. I am having a devil of a time getting a close shave. I shave after a shower, use good cream/soap/brush, but my whiskers seem to be laughing at the razor. I believe the razor to be sharp enough, but no matter what I do, the razor seems to get caught up in my whiskers. especially across the grain (against the grain is impossible). I have been trying to maintain the angle fairly shallow, maybe 20 or 30 degrees. The amount of pressure I need to use to cut also seems higher than I expected, but again, I am used to a heavy DE.

Can anyone provide a few suggestions to help me out?

Thanks!

-Scotto

Take this for what its worth from a newbie (about a month with a straight). What you are describing suggests to me that the razor is no where near sharp enough! I'd suggest getting in touch with Lynn or one of the other honemeisters to have an edge put on your blade.

It sounds like it needs honed to me. Even razors that are promised shaving-sharp from guys that know what they're doing can need touched up because it's just too easy to let one go out without being quite right. The only test I know that will tell for sure if it's honed to perfection is shaving. Everything else falls short in one way or another.

Well, there are two possibilities, either the razor needs honing or your skills need honing. Its true that all the tests in the world can be lacking and shaving is the ultimate test but as a new shaver the shave test may not be the way to tell thats why the other tests should be used in your case since they will tell you if the razor is sharp enough to shave with.

It can take months to become really proficient with a straight and weeks to get any decent shave so my advice is try the usual tests and if it passes all of them work on your technique.

Scotto,

One of the things that I have learned this weekend is that blade size can make a difference. I bought a 6/8 blade from Lynn last week...wow, a much improved shave. And I have a 5/8 blade that Lynn sharpened. You may want to look at a different razor!

Randy

Another thing which will help a sharp razor cut through dense growth is using a slight cutting angle. Lead the shaving stroke with the toe of the blade ahead of the heel by about 20-30º (I find less even works well for me). this will make it easier for the blade to get through.

X

You might want to check out the video here also as it might help with technique. I'll be happy to rehone the razor for you. Shoot me an email. Lynn

Thanks for all the advice, guys. It is also possible my newbie honing skills haven't done well by the blade. It is hard not having a frame of reference to compare to, other than a DE.

-Scotto

It sounds like you have a razor less than shave sharp. If you take Lynn up on his offer to hone your razor, you'll see exactly what a sharp razor feels like. Also, you'll probably not have held a razor so sharp before. So, when you do shave with a shave sharp razor, especially one honed by Lynn (or one of the other honemeisters here), you'll need to use very little pressure. The sharp razor will glide through your whiskers like a warm knife through butter.

Also, just make sure you prep your beard adequately. They say a well prepped and lathered beard is half a great shave.

Go check out Lynn's video. It's really great to show newbies proper technique.

Good luck,

Jeff

Originally Posted by Scotto

Thanks for all the advice, guys. It is also possible my newbie honing skills haven't done well by the blade. It is hard not having a frame of reference to compare to, other than a DE.

-Scotto

I can guarantee it is not sharp enough. I had the same problem when I started until Lynn honed a razor for me. One other thought How wide is the blade? A heavy beard is cut better by a 6/8 or 7/8 razor. In addition a good shave with a str8 leaves your face soft as a baby's bottom.