Frustrated, confused, a little discouraged but determined
After a little over 30 days with the straight(s), I've tasted both the ecstasy of victory and the agony of defeat. My shaves were progressively getting better for the most part, and suddenly, yesterday the wheels came off. Lots of stubble and some irritation after the shave.
My temptation was to blame the blade - did I roll the edge while stropping? But I had a few smooth spots, so I have determined that my technique stunk. Today, I really concentrated on blade angle and stretching, and got a very nice shave, but it took an hour and a quarter. After decades of woodworking, I have learned that no one cares how long it took, the results are what are important.
Is it normal to have these setbacks, and what is a reasonable amount of time to allow for a nice shave once the technique becomes consistent? It has been tempting to return to the DE, but I really like the feel and last of a straight shave when done properly.
Don't give up..it's okay !!
Three things....1)Angle....good angle=goodshave2)Light pressure...don't try to mow through it like your old cartridge blade has conditioned you,let the blade do the work so to speak firm grip but light pressure.3)Buttered toast sound....when you hear what sounds like toast being buttered ,thats the blade doing it's job. Have fun,don't get too frustrated..it will come,it really will I swear it.Hang in there,we're all here for ya m8te !:)Oh yes and I'm getting great shaves evry day now and I still take around 45 min to an hour depending on how into it I get.Forget time..just give yourself plenty of and turn on the classical station on the radio and enjoy ahhhhhhhhh!:):):)