Thread: First Shave with a "Real" Straight

That's a sweet one, in good shape. I have nothing but positive things to say about any dealings with Bill, either. Ya done good, homey.

Brian,

Congratulations, I have no doubt that you will be satisfied
with your selection. But any razor that Bill puts on his site
is a great razor.

Please let us know how your first shave goes with a shave
ready razor. You will be amazed at the difference between
the Fulton and the Rockwell.


Terry

Brian,

Great choice. Enjoy your purchase. Keep us updated.

I have just started straight razor shaving and I have an antique Wade and Bucher blade that I've gotten really sharp. When I try to shave though, I don't seem to get any hair off. I use williams shave soap and a brush to put on the lather and I let it soak in for a couple minutes, strop the razor and reapply lather before I shave like I've read. I try to stretch the skin though I find it difficlt with the slippery rather. I just can't seem to shave any hair off when I try to shave. Any pointers on what I might be doing

Firdt of all welcome to the forum.

It sound like you are following proper procedure.
As far as Wiliams soap goes, it's good stuff and
in my rotation. Now I'm definately not the most
qualified member having started myself only 3
months ago and despite the title honemeister,
I've never honed a razor. But my guess is that
while sharp the razor is not shave ready.

Perhaps you can put out an appeal to one
of the real honemeisters on the forum for
assistance.


Terry

If your razor doesn't pass the Hanging Hair Test (in the Help Files) then it won't shave well. Ultimately we will need more information to help you properly.

What state was the razor in when you got it?
What are you using as a hone or hones?
How many passes are you doing on them, pyramid?
Wwhat kind of pressure are you using?
What kind of beard prep are you doing?
Have you read the Permanent Archives in the Help Files?
What kind of strop do you have?
Is there anything else you can tell us?

X

forget about honing or prepareing your razor for now...send your dovo to lynn to hone along with any other razors you have...it will stay sharp for 2-3 months during this time hopefully you will learn to strop prep your face and learn to shave...after you can strop and maintain the edge and shave without bleeding to death and still get a smooth shave you are ready to move on...this can be a very satisfying or frustrating experience...its all how you approach it!

Originally Posted by filmecyan

I have just started straight razor shaving and I have an antique Wade and Bucher blade that I've gotten really sharp. When I try to shave though, I don't seem to get any hair off. I use williams shave soap and a brush to put on the lather and I let it soak in for a couple minutes, strop the razor and reapply lather before I shave like I've read. I try to stretch the skin though I find it difficlt with the slippery rather. I just can't seem to shave any hair off when I try to shave. Any pointers on what I might be doing

I can guarantee you your razor isn't sharp enough. I had one that I thought was shave ready but it was not at all.

Well....after a long delay....I finally managed to get to use Bill's Razor. 30 passes on my strop....and I had a great shave with absolutely no nicks! Many thanks to Bill for doing all the hard work. It's all downhill from now....until I learn to hone properly!


Best Regards
Brian