Thread: real bad razor burn when using my straight.

+1 on all the above,and dont go over and over the same area on your face and apply a balm ( Trumpers skin food ) after you shave to put out the fire.

+1 on all the advice given so far. In addition, I will recommend a razor that is not only sharp, but well stropped. I have a Butcher Bros 1/4 hollow that requires at least 50 passes on leather before she's all lined up. But after all that stropping, I swear it feels like a butter knife on my face only the whiskers are getting mowed flush. I just love the sound as they give up the ghost as they whisper- "Shhhhhhhh!"

+1 to all the advice already given (especially avoid shaving the same area multiple times & applying to much pressure). Try a menthol type cream like Proraso or C.O. Bigelow. I find that these creams contribute to less razor burn (YMMV). See JimmyHAD's signature line, as it has some excellent advice about pressure (or lack there of). Don't give up and keep at it!

definatly have to remember to keep the pressure off the strokes. I think thats the biggest problem I'm having right now. Also, I'm not using any aftershave cause right now it feels like a blowtorch on my skin afterwards. I'm stropping about 50 strokes, and its nice n sharp when I'm done.

Avoid ATG passes as well, those can really irritate the skin. Thats something I learned from a barber at Trumpers, never shave ATG.

Witch Hazel afterward works great. I personally don't use anything other than Thayer's Witch Hazel Astringent with Aloe Vera.

Also pay attention to the pressure you are using while stropping, it also needs to be light and the strop tight. It all comes with practice and you will get a hang of it fast.

Originally Posted by Stubear

Avoid ATG passes as well, those can really irritate the skin. Thats something I learned from a barber at Trumpers, never shave ATG.

I think a good XTG works just as good but the ATG makes a noticeable difference once you get use to doing it properly, according to most. I only use very light ATG passes on my neck, mostly because I can not get the XTG pass down there. Angle is too weird for me.

Where is the razor from?

not to sure where its from. bought it at an antique shop a few months ago. It can pass the hair test, and doesnt seem like its pulling at all when I shave. I just get a very sore face afterwards, like I tried to shave without the use of soap. very irritable.

Originally Posted by flyfishingta

not to sure where its from. bought it at an antique shop a few months ago. It can pass the hair test, and doesnt seem like its pulling at all when I shave. I just get a very sore face afterwards, like I tried to shave without the use of soap. very irritable.

I've bought antique store razors that would pass the HHT, but I would still hone it. Use an eye loupe or some form of magnification and see what that edge looks like, my guess would be not very mirror finished or smooth.