Less REALLY is more!

Hi all,

I've been using my straight for 5-6 weeks now and having read here about using light grip/pressure, and probably thinking that I was, until today when something clicked. I must say that I feel a bit of a fool for mistaking my previous "scraping" action for light pressure, but at least that is behind me now. With a lighter grip and a blade floating over the skin, three passes, no nicks and silky smooth finish I feel that I have definately turned a corner. Even the Alum block was a pleasant finish to the shave today.

Thanks and best wishes for 2011
Ryan

Yessah! Gotta love those moments where you think to yourself, "Oh yeeeeah.":y

Ya, pressure can make all the difference. If you went from a cartridge to a straight or DE, it can be quite difficult too. You just got to always remember to let the razor do the work.

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Originally Posted by Edgeof40

Hi all,

I've been using my straight for 5-6 weeks now and having read here about using light grip/pressure, and probably thinking that I was, until today when something clicked. I must say that I feel a bit of a fool for mistaking my previous "scraping" action for light pressure, but at least that is behind me now. With a lighter grip and a blade floating over the skin, three passes, no nicks and silky smooth finish I feel that I have definately turned a corner. Even the Alum block was a pleasant finish to the shave today.

Thanks and best wishes for 2011
Ryan

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Congratulations. It took me considerably longer than 5-6 weeks to "click" but once I did it was great.

I think those of us who knew nothing but disposables, cartridges, and electric razors beforehand don't really learn how to shave.

When we start using the old-fashioned stuff, we have to learn how to do it and once we do we get the best and most enjoyable shaves of our lives.

Your story will inspire others!

Congrats on the great shave! I, on the other hand keep telling myself to have the light hand, and every once in a while i'll catch myself scraping like an idiot. It is nice though the first time you can finish nick free with the BBS shave.

Congratulations on turning that corner. I'm still looking for that nick free finish. I too have to stay focused and keep telling myself, light grip/pressure.

One issue with using many blades with several different finishes is that each takes diff technique. Some allow but don't require pressure. Some will cut you a new smile if you use pressure. Several times I've thought that sticking with one or two blades would help me learn faster.

The edges that demand perfect technique can be interesting, but are rarely the more pleasant shaves. That's not an argument for lousy technique. If I used an extremely demanding blade all the time, there are lots of strokes I never would have tried. Having tried them with forgiving blades has allowed me the experience/practice to do them with demanding blades. Now good technique w/ a forgiving blade still gives wonderful results. 'Very satisfying.

I'm within my first six months of straight razor shaving, transitioning from DE shaving (slant). Your posting came at just the right time as I've had more time than usual this holiday week to devote to my shaves.

Anyway, I came across your posting, which got me to thinking that I should think more consciously about pressure now that I've gotten the blade angle down. Coming from DE I thought that I had this sorted out already, but to make a long story short, thinking about a light touch and short strokes has really made a difference this past few days, so thanks very much for posting your observation!