Thread: Thoughts on shave results with new razor

Ok, my new 13/16 Wacker Stosser wedge came yesterday from shaving shop. This was the first shave today. Everything has been the same except the razor.
I have been using a Dovo 25 or 5/8 Bengall or 5/8 Landers Frary & Clark, all carbon steel.

I noticed a lot of irritation post shave than I have from any of the my other shaves.

1. Why so much irritation and how to avoid it?

Originally Posted by speckey

Ok, my new 13/16 Wacker Stosser wedge came yesterday from shaving shop. This was the first shave today. Everything has been the same except the razor.
I have been using a Dovo 25 or 5/8 Bengall or 5/8 Landers Frary & Clark, all carbon steel.

I noticed a lot of irritation post shave than I have from any of the my other shaves.

1. Why so much irritation and how to avoid it?

What is your normal shave routine and what direction(s) did you shave?

Usually irritation is a result of too much pressure, too harsh of an angle, against-the-grain shaving, or any mixture of those.

I was curious if using the Wedge with the same angles that I have been using is the reason. If I need to lessen the angle?

Originally Posted by speckey

Ok, my new 13/16 Wacker Stosser wedge came yesterday from shaving shop. This was the first shave today. Everything has been the same except the razor.
I have been using a Dovo 25 or 5/8 Bengall or 5/8 Landers Frary & Clark, all carbon steel.

I noticed a lot of irritation post shave than I have from any of the my other shaves.

1. Why so much irritation and how to avoid it?

You moved from Hollows to a Wedge would be my guess, let the Wedge do the work....

The angle will be different too, we always say about 20-30 degrees but really it is more like 1 -2 spine widths from the face Hollows like a flatter angle then wedgier blades...

yea assuming the razor is up to snuff I would also guess the increased weight is the culprit.

Do i need to adjust my angle? It was a smooth shave except for all the redness that went away in 90 mins or so, but it was red. Now its fins smooth no nicks, cuts, or bumps.

Next time you shave with it analyze your technique. Are you using any more pressure to accomplish the results ? When I was starting out I found that excessive pressure led to irritation.

I LOVE my stosser wedge (and 6/8-1/4hol, and 15/16 hol). I also use an old warhorse - well worn B.J. Eyre wedge. With the wedges & the 1/4 hollow, it was easier for me to substitute pressure for a good stretch & proper angle. At that time, I wasn't able to use small (5/8) hollow because I didn't understand the wiki instructions on angle were a general rule of thumb for wtg. Since changing angle as needed, and changing to a very light contact pressure, I still get great shaves from the heavy grinds, but also get to enjoy the hollows. The heavy grinds simply allowed me to use pressure more easily than the flexible hollows.

You may be way beyond my experience there, but the others responding seem to be saying something similar about pressure/angle. I'll be flat amazed if you don't find that to be just a wonderful blade. If you don't like it, and I'm able to do anything about it - lets talk

On a side note, check to see if your normal angle/pressure gives any pull to the blade. The 1/4 hol. I got from John, and the stosser - both came w/ very good edges that didn't last long. After a couple weeks, the heels on both blades stopped lopping hanging hair & wouldn't revive with stropping. The monster hollow (15/16) was not really shave ready. With each blade, I was unable to reproduce John's stroke to use a finisher for touch-up. I had to reset bevels. Specifically on the stosser, I wish I'd have used 2-3 layers of tape. As delivered, John's edge completely mocked the received wisdom that wedges don't give feedback. Mine gave audible and tactile feedback really well. When I reset the bevel, I used no tape, and it made the bevel noticeably wider - and now the feedback is greatly reduced. It's conjecture on my part that the increased bevel width subdued the feedback, but the two changes appear to have happened at the same time.

Best of luck, Speckey. I think you made a very good choice w/ that wedge.

Speckey,

Shave with your new razor exclussivly for two weeks then you'll be in a better position to judge how it does and what technique works best.

I know I have been guilty of "trying too hard" when I use a new to me razor.

Relax. Shave. More will be revealed.

LG Roy

I have the exact same razor and I will say that it does take some getting used to. I have used it to shave four times so far and two of the shaves have been amazing, while the other two were exactly as you described. My face and neck were very irritated post shave.

I think the issue here is that this is a wedge and a very heavy blade. If you are used to shaving with something with a lighter grind and lighter weight, the same pressure cannot be used with the Wacker. I realize now that the two quality shaves I got from this razor I was super conscious of my pressure. I did not notice anything with an adjustment in the angle.

I say try shaving and be extra light with your pressure. Try to consciously float the razor over the skin and I think you will be surprised at the results. I shaved with the Wacker this morning and did not have the best shave, because I did not follow my own advice.