Newbie here.. need help :X

I've been thinking about this since probably last november or so, and after much reading and no less hemming and hawing I decided to put a SR on my xmas list. Not too surprisingly, no-one bit, so I had to decide on one to buy myself.

I have a really, REALLY heavy beard so I decided to get a heavy razor - a TI 7/8 from classicshaving. My friend picked up a 5/8 TI at the same time, so we're in this together :P I also picked out a dovo leather/linen strop to be sent along with it.

Then there came the really unbearably long wait as it shipped from california to my workplace in toronto, but that magical moment finally came yesterday.

I finally got it straightrazor home and, as impatient and anxious as I was to shave with it, I decided to do some more reading about SR shaving before putting it to the test.

One recurring theme I saw was that the blade should be sharp enough that if you take a hair and slowly push the blade into the side of it, it should pop in two if the razor is really sharp enough to shave with. HOLY SHIT. So I did the hanging hair test and the razor didn't hold up its end of the bargain.

Apparently this isn't unusual for razors when you get them from the factory.. generally they just need some stropping but nothing so serious as an initial honing so I attempted to strop the razor, taking some tiny nicks out of the leather strop as I began to figure out the proper hand motion.

After this work, the razor still wasn't popping hairs in two but I stupidly decided to try it anyway since it felt pretty damned sharp.

After a long hot shower and some facewashing with glycerin soap I was ready to lather up and shave. Now, I really set forth a task here because I had nearly 2 weeks of growth to shave off and I am one hairy mofo. It actually started really easy on the cheeks, but started to get really difficult by the time I made it to the neck.. I was trying to acclimatize myself to switching hands when shaving different sides of my face but my left-hand motor control is way too retarded so i nicked myself and decided to stick to the right hand from then on. Due to the lack of sharpness, I had to tend to the delicate parts around the mouth by using both hands on the blade to steady it.

In the end I had maybe 3 or 4 nicks, and probably not the closest shave I have ever experienced, but now I see I have alot of learning to do. I'm gonna spend some quality time with the strop this weekend and see if I can't get the blade popping-sharp. If not, It may be time to buy a hone :X

Do you guys have any advice for me? I'm feeling like this is going to be a really involved hobby :)

Are you kidding all of us here are nuts!! Members of RA ( Razors Anonymous )

This does become pretty consuming:D however I really enjoy it.

You said it does not pass the hanging hair test but shaved you well??
Well that IS the test. Forget about all the different tests there are several different tests that you can use after honing but it really comes down to how well does it shave you. I have 13 different razors some pass the test some don't, most shave well. It sounds like you got a really great razor.

We had a big discussion this week about what kind of hair do you use for the hanging hair test. I use boar (from an old cheap brush) because it is like my beard. If it cuts that it will shave me well. Oh and hold the razor still and bring the hair to it.

I have been doing this for a year plus now and I still shave with only my right hand. Can not seem to get it with the left. But it works ok for me.

Get used to nicking yourself. It happens. Alot in the beginning less after a while.

I will tell you the 2nd most important thing in shaving some say the first. Proper skin prep before shaving-- Hot shower, put in contacts, (I'm blind without them :D ) preshave (I love proraso) and good soap or cream. Then take your time.

Welcome to the club!!:cool:

My left hand is pretty uncoordinated too (strange for a guitarist I know) but through a bit of perseverance and a few (read lot of) nicks, I managed to get it in the end. But if it works for you, stick with the right. Theres no defined right and wrong way to do anything, you do what works for you to get a good shave.

If you want your razor super sharp then send it to Lynn (hes the sharpening service on classicshaving) or one of the other honemeisters on here. They will return your razor in super sharp condition which will ironically help you get less nicks as you will be using less pressure as you shave.

Also dont worry too much about the nicks on the strop, they wont affect the performance as long as theyre not too big . Just take it real slow on the strop until you find the correct action and remember, keep the spine of the razor on the strop at all times.

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Originally Posted by RichZ

Are you kidding all of us here are nuts!! Members of RA ( Razors Anonymous )

This does become pretty consuming:D however I really enjoy it.

You said it does not pass the hanging hair test but shaved you well??
Well that IS the test. Forget about all the different tests there are several different tests that you can use after honing but it really comes down to how well does it shave you. I have 13 different razors some pass the test some don't, most shave well. It sounds like you got a really great razor.

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I would say it shaved adequately at best, by my standards.. it caught on the hair alot and required several passes nearly everywhere, but I don't know whether to attribute that to poor shaving, poor stropping, or just having a two weeks of heavy beard on my face. I'm going to go in for my second try sunday night I think, after another stropping attempt.

Speaking of which, when I was stropping it didn't really feel like it was 'doing anything', link not catching at all or anything. I tried applying pressure as I kept contact with both the spine and the edge but that didnt seem too different either.. perhaps I just am not paying close enough attention to notice it?

Finally, I have a question about the condition of the strop itself - I don't have any pastes or conditioners for it yet. Are these necessary, or can I just use the strop 'naked'? (again this is leather on one side, linen on the other)

Many thanks for any advice you can provide :)

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Originally Posted by RichZ

Welcome to the club!!:cool:

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thanks:) I'll try to keep this thread updated as i learn more for myself :P

1) Buy a barber hone
2) Naked is fine
3) The razor is not sharp enough
4) Wheres your friend?

1 - Your razor isn't shave sharp. Get it honed by one of the honemeisters out here. Don't let the label near the avitars fool you. Ask around...you'll soon run into Lynn, Randy, Tony, etc. the real honemeisters (forgive me if I'm leaving anyone out). Only then will you know what a shave sharp edge feels like.

2 - Keep at it. Perseverance will pay big dividends later on in your journey.

3 - Tough beards = extra beard prep. Believe me, even with a keen razor, inadequate beard prep will lead to inadequate shaves

4 - Ask any questions you may have. This is a great group of members out here. You'll get great advice/tips from a lot of different guys

5 - Enjoy your newfound hobby and have fun. You're hooked. See Rich's avice about "RA". You're going to end up having to check into a 12-step program like the rest of us.

Welcome!

Jeff

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Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

3 - Tough beards = extra beard prep. Believe me, even with a keen razor, inadequate beard prep will lead to inadequate shaves

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Don't forget, you might also want to strop mid shave, between the pasess. Or even during them...

Nenad

A two week growth? Thats asking a lot from yourself and from the razor.

Your next shave should be better. Be sure to use both the linen and leather.
Linen first 30 roundtrip laps then
Plain leather 30-50 roundtrip laps
Then shave. Don't hesitate to re-strop mid-shave.
Many guys with thick,heavy,tough beards do that.

Instead of purcjasing a hone may I suggest a 4 sided abrasive pasted paddle strop. Have it pasted with 3 micron, 1 micron, 0.5 micron and 0.25 micron
abrasive pastes. This should bring your razor up to shaving sharpness.
Tony Miller at www.thewellshavedgentleman.com is the only place I know of that has pre-pasted paddle strops available.

Tony will give you detailed instructions on how to use the paddle strop to bring your razor up to shaving sharpness.

Hope this helps,:)

Randy is right I forgot to mention that two weeks of growth is a tough way to start. Yes you can use a naked strop.:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

Instead of purcjasing a hone may I suggest a 4 sided abrasive pasted paddle strop. Have it pasted with 3 micron, 1 micron, 0.5 micron and 0.25 micron
abrasive pastes.

Hope this helps,:)

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Hey Randy,

Why do you recommend the paddle? I don't know much at this point, but the hone approach sounds easier to me. Am I off?

Thanks,
Todd

you guys are awesome.. thanks again. I will look into a hone or strop asap :D

Two weeks is asking a lot. Paddle strops are generally easier to use and with a paddle strop you have 4 differing grits to work up with. Easier than trying to perfect your skills with a hone. I do enjoy a good barber hone though.

A new razor is almost shave ready and but does not require a hone. The abrasive pasted paddle strops will give you a finer edge and also are the main tool for maintaining a fine edge.

The hone is used for heavier work.

Hope this helps,

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Originally Posted by TMike

Hey Randy,

Why do you recommend the paddle? I don't know much at this point, but the hone approach sounds easier to me. Am I off?

Thanks,
Todd

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I'm a newbie too, with only 3 shaves under my belt. However, I've had excellent results using a paddle strop with .50 diamond paste for about 20-30 round trips, then a hanging strop for about 30-50 round trips, making sure to wipe the paste off the blade with some rubbing alcohol before going to the hanging strop. The hanging strop is supposed to remain clean and you don't want to contaminate it with paste. My TI razor passes the hanging hair test and has been shave ready every time with this method. I haven't had to touch my Norton 4000-8000 water hone yet.
Remember, the hanging strop is not for "sharpening" the edge. It's more for "polishing" it after it has been sharpened with a hone, pasted strop, or other sharpening device. That said, most guys recommend stropping on a hanging strop 20-30 round trips before shaving and another 20-30 round trips after shaving (then again before shaving, etc.). Also, remember, no pressure on the hone or strops. As I understand it some EXPERIENCED honemeisters will (rarely) use very light pressure for a couple of passes on a hone. But for most situations just the weight of the razor on the blade, with the spine of the razor in contact with the hone or strop at all times, is all that's necessary. Just a feather touch. It takes practice (and discipline not to use pressure) but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. And as you SLOWLY draw the hair down (perpendicular) to the blade and watch it "pop" in half...it's a great feeling of accomplishment.
As someone else stated above, 2 weeks growth is not a good way to start using a straight razor, especially for your first time. And you may have to strop your razor a couple of times, or even paste it during your shave until you get most of the heavier stuff negotiated. I might suggest you shave daily until you sort of get the hang of things, especially things like keeping your razor sharp and being able to get a close shave without nicking or "burning" yourself. Although it's sometimes necessary to give your face a break for a day or two if you nick or burn it too much. Then, once you're confident and competent at using the razor, try it on a 2 or 3 day growth and see how it goes. And, forgive me if I'm telling things you already know, but keep your face wet, wet, wet, and lathered with your brush while shaving. I make sure each area of my face gets lathered for each and every "full" pass over it. That will keep it lubricated and make your shave much closer and much more comfortable.
On the other hand, I'm certainly no expert so maybe some more comments by experienced straight razor shavers (like the ones above) would be helpful. :cool:

Tom

Tom,

You might not be an expert but you sure are progressing well. Keep up your studies and pass on everything you learn. We'll all appreciate it.

"...Tom,

You might not be an expert but you sure are progressing well. Keep up your studies and pass on everything you learn. We'll all appreciate it..."

Thanks AF. I depend on guys like you to keep me on the "straight" and narrow. :)

Tom

Shave 2:

So this time I decided to try to get the razor sharper than last time, and focus on my stropping technique. 10 passes on the linen followed by 60 passes on the leather, twice, and the razor was feeling quite sharp. I completed the requisite hot shower, lathered up my beard, and stopped a final time while I waited for the shaving cream to work on my whiskers.

I'd say I ended up with mixed results this time around; the fact that I was shaving 3 days of hair growth instead of 3 weeks made it alot easier, and I *think* it was shaving better due to being sharper, but I wasn't being quite as careful and ended up with sizeable nicks on my lower lip, chin, and near the bottom of my neck. That last one was due to me not shaving with the grain the first time around, and I won't make THAT mistake again. I also shaved a bit too hard on my neck and got some razor burn.

However, the shave itself was MUCH closer this time around than the last. Left my skin Very smooth (with the exception of the chunks of face I removed)

I think a lighter touch and more attention will fetch me a better shave still.

This is really exciting because it's like I'm shaving for the first time all over again.. the learning process is really fun, and the ritual of lathering and stropping is really rewarding.

...

One of the biggest problems right now is I've read TONS of really good advice but there is so much to keep track of that I get confused.. 'one thing at a time' i guess :)

Yeah, you have to be careful. If you don't give your full attention to shaving, then you'll likely cut yourself. It's when I'm staring of into space thinking about my day and what I'm going to do for breakfast that I need to go reaching for the styptic pencil (By the way, if you don't have one, you should!).

As for stropping - 60 strokes? And then you got ready and then stropped it again? Was it a paddle strop? You should do whatever works for you, obviously, but I don't know if stropping that much provides any benefit above stropping in the range of 30 strokes on a full-sized strop that most people do - i.e. more stropping on plain leather does not make the blade any sharper.

Congratulations, though! You seem to be off to a good start and will soon have this all down to a science. And considering the amount of growth you had last time, I think you did quite well then too. Keep at it.

Shave 3: 3 days growth. First of all, I finally picked up a badger-hair brush (a vuklfix from a local retailer), so I was really excited to try this new aspect out (I have a green tub of proraso soap). This time around I wanted to focus on shaving slower, more consistently, and most of all more lightly. My last two attempts consisted of many short, firm, overlapping passes of the blade, but I've read that light is the way to go if you want to be nice to your skin.

I prepped with a hot shower, and lathered up with the brush. QUITE a difference! the hot lather felt really great against my skin. Although I stropped the blade earlier, I went for another 10 laps on the linen and 40 or so on the leather as I let the lather work on my whiskers.

This time around I set the blade and allowed it to glide over my skin without attempting to get it to bite down into the hair.. i was rewarded when rinsing the blade when i saw hair particles running down into the drain. Although I was focussin on slowing down, I feel it still went rather quickly. I lathered up a second time and repeated the action, and it went faster still with less hair getting in the way... this whole time I've been shaving with the grain (I'm saving cross-grain for when I feel completely confident with my shaving technique).

The end result was a couple of tiny nicks, and a somewhat close shave (not awe-inspiring, but decent). My skin felt great, with the exception of the lower center of my neck. the hair grows in a really weird spiral pattern there which is vexing because I always seem to be shaving against the grain at some point).

Mostly I noticed the shave could have been more consistant at the far corners of my jawbone, and a really thin vertical strip right next to my left ear.

Next shave I'm going to focus on those parts, as well as on stretching my skin better.

It sounds like you are making excellent progress.

Regular stropping can only do so much. I want to weigh in with the others who have recommended a paddle strop with some pastes. I think that once you get that razor humming along at hair popping keeness, you'll reduce drastically the amount of irritation and trouble you experience. Achieving the sharpest edge is the first hurdle to overcome. Just remember that the first time you put a truly sharp razor to your face it will require much less pressure than you are accustomed to. Ignore that fact to your perril, be aware and ease off any pressure and you will be rewarded with excellent shaves.

X

hmm, guess i shouldn't put off the paddle any longer :P

Should the stropping technique for a pasted strop differ at all from that of a naked hanging strop? I am aware that I should thoroughly rinse the blade when changing surfaces but otherwise ignorant

Most guys keep the stropping action the same regardless of paddled pastes or hanging finish. I have experimented a little with some good results, but not really enough to conclusively say that another action would be better.

X

I use the same technique for pasted and hanging strop. One word of caution about the .25 micron paste. I tried it and found the razors too sharp for my skin. I would get a lot of irritation which was unusual for tried and true razors in my rotation.

I backhoned my razors 2 laps on 8k and then a few regular laps followed by pastes only up to .5 micron and got excellent shaves.

So be aware that if your razor's edge is too fine it can also give razor burn.