Thread: Discouraged

Originally Posted by goaT

I guess my frustration has been, I have never even come close to getting as close of a shave with a straight as I get with the Mach 3. I still used the straight last night, and enjoyed the time to myself. I started using the straight for that very reason, and to slow myself down and force myself to focus 100% on the task at hand.

Thank you for all the advice!

dont know if it helps but I've been SR shaving since September and don't get nearly as good a shave as I did with the Mach 3 either. Go on faith that some day you will get better than the Mach 3....i am.

Could be that your razor needs a touch up itself. Has it been honed recently?

Originally Posted by goaT

I guess my frustration has been, I have never even come close to getting as close of a shave with a straight as I get with the Mach 3. I still used the straight last night, and enjoyed the time to myself. I started using the straight for that very reason, and to slow myself down and force myself to focus 100% on the task at hand.

Thank you for all the advice!

Are you still trying new angles/passes? I started about 2 1/2 months ago and only recently started getting almost BBS, comfortably. I was getting no closer for several weeks, but I kept trying different techniques. (Stretching, angle of attack, path of the blade.) I finally found a technique that gets me darn close, though under the chin is still giving me an issue.
I haven't used a Megarazor for over 2 years (I went to electric when King Gillette started with the 5 blade craziness). I was wondering just today what it might be like to shave with one of the new blades, if it got me a better BBS.
But then immediately the thought came to me....I really don't care. I enjoy the whole straight shaving routine. I NEVER enjoyed shaving before.
So I will never know if 10 blades shaves me closer or not.

I never used one of the newfangled razors, but when I switched from Injectors and DE's, I approached it the same way I quite smoking many years back. Cold Turkey.
When I picked up the straight razor, I vowed not to give up until I learned. I've never looked back, and never regretted my decision.
If you want to learn, you will... And there's no magic or skills that any person cannot learn. If you're less than committed, you might stick with it and learn, you might give up or you might fall somewhere in between. There really is no right or wrong answer... Only what is acceptable to yourself.
My straight razor shaves are far superior to anything I experienced before, but we're all different...

Decide what you want to do, how you want to do it and proceed along your own path... we can all advance, or not at our own pace!

Originally Posted by BlacknTan

I never used one of the newfangled razors, but when I switched from Injectors and DE's, I approached it the same way I quite smoking many years back. Cold Turkey.
When I picked up the straight razor, I vowed not to give up until I learned. I've never looked back, and never regretted my decision.
If you want to learn, you will... And there's no magic or skills that any person cannot learn. If you're less than committed, you might stick with it and learn, you might give up or you might fall somewhere in between. There really is no right or wrong answer... Only what is acceptable to yourself.
My straight razor shaves are far superior to anything I experienced before, but we're all different...

Decide what you want to do, how you want to do it and proceed along your own path... we can all advance, or not at our own pace!

This was my method as well. I had a hard time with certain spots, but refusing to pick up the mach 3 meant that I eventually learned, instead of shying away from the challenge.

Sometimes, putting yourself in uncomfortable constraints helps you learn in ways taking the slow and easy way never will.

goaT, there are many good points. I have also found that, as a noob, the equipment needs some experimentation. For me, I can get a good two pass shave, in relatively quick time, with few niks, by using a 6/8. Not BBS, but good enough for the day. And I really enjoy the process to boot.

When I switch to a 5/8, it takes me twice as long, and my shave is not as clean. Same thing with a 4/8. I stuggle more with these sizes.

When I inquired here, I was simply told that I found the "weapon" that was best for me. So simple, but really clicked. Now I am sticking with the 6/8.

So if you have not tried some different sizes to see if that works better for you, maybe it would be worth it to try a size up or down.

GL!

I've been shaving with a str8 since March of this year. It took about two months to get somewhat proficient. Now I can get a BBS whenever I have the time to put into it. Also, if you're a rookie your first attempts at stropping probably won't do the razor's edge any favors. That was my biggest hurdle. The edge needs to be in top notch condition to get a good shave.

So, make sure you have a shave ready edge and just be persistent. I figure if I can do it (and I'm blind in one eye) most anyone can!

Rob.

Originally Posted by goaT

I guess my frustration has been, I have never even come close to getting as close of a shave with a straight as I get with the Mach 3. I still used the straight last night, and enjoyed the time to myself. I started using the straight for that very reason, and to slow myself down and force myself to focus 100% on the task at hand.

Thank you for all the advice!

You don't need to shave with a straight razor exclusively . If you only have time for the straight razor now and then , it's okay . Once you start to really get the feel for it you will understand why we love it . For me , nothing makes my face feel so good as a straight razor shave .

Originally Posted by str8fencer

When I started straight shaving (not very long ago either) I realized I would not stay with it unless I was able to get a shave done in a timely manner. I'm way too impatient to keep it up if I felt it was a nuisance. Knowing this about myself, I just refused to take long. Now I can leisurely shave in 15 minutes, and maybe half that if I'm really pressed for time. If I want a complete BBS I can stretch it ofc, but those moments are for when I want a special treat and pamper myself a little. Some days I get a very nice shave, others I only get an adequate shave. YMMV, ofc

This is my thought as well, There's something to be said for doing the full, half-hour spa treatment style shave, but I frequently need to just get in and get out. For me, the time of day is almost more important than the time taken. It can't be too early in the morning (I'm not awake yet) or at night (I'm already asleep). So, midmorning is the usual time. And, since I work from home, it makes a fine coffee break.

Brian

Hi,

While I was still learning I used to shave twice, once with my straight and second with a mach 3 to clean up. As my technique got better and understanding that sometimes the razor needs to be honed, I eventually stopped the double shave and now just shave once with my straight.

Personally, just like it. If I did not, I wouldn't do it.

- Mike