Thread: real bad razor burn when using my straight.

I've neen shaving after my showers to make sure that the hair is nice and soft. Use a good lather when shaving, and use a good skin conditioner afterwards. Is there anything that can be done say in the preshave to alleviate the problem of the razorburn?

Yep, reduce the pressure and be sure your angle is proper.

I would suggest you use less pressure with the blade against your skin.

Use a light touch and your burning should go away.

You are using a real straight razor and not a disposable straight correct? Also one that was professionally honed? Unless you rolled the edge stropping?

Originally Posted by flyfishingta

I've neen shaving after my showers to make sure that the hair is nice and soft. Use a good lather when shaving, and use a good skin conditioner afterwards. Is there anything that can be done say in the preshave to alleviate the problem of the razorburn?

Tell us exactly how you're shaving. What direction(s) are you going with the razor and how much are you stretching? What type of razor are you using?

Typically initial razorburn is either from going against the grain, and/or having the blade at too high of an angle. Also, if you're just starting with a straight you might find that your skin needs a little more healing for the first few shaves.

+1 on the previous advice. The problem rests with your technique. Reduce your pressure. Let the razor do the cutting and simply let your hand guide it on your face while it does its job.

As above, a light touch and proper angle is critical. In addition, the razor needs to be properly honed. Did you get your razor from a reputable vendor or is it something you got off of ebay?

Utopian touched on something that I was going to mention: the sharpness on the razor. A dull, or dulling, razor can be just as responsible for irritation as anything else these gentlemen have discussed.

I will just say that I experienced very bad razor burn for approximately my first month of straight razor shaving. I think the thing that helped the most for me was reducing the amount of pressure I was using. This is not a mach 3! Try to just gently wipe the hair off of your face and that is probably still too much pressure.

Also, I think it might also take a little while for your skin to acclimate to the Straight Razor.

Listen to all the other advice and keep at it.

If you haven't discovered it already, avoid strong aftershaves like Clubman after an irritating shave. Their bay rum will make you feel like you're using boiling oil. Ogallala bay rum or good old Witch Hazel worked well for me in the early days.

Originally Posted by leadduck

If you haven't discovered it already, avoid strong aftershaves like Clubman after an irritating shave.

Well, in all honesty Clubman Bay rum can burn after pretty much any kind of shave...