Quote Originally Posted by barko78 View Post
Thought I'd post some notes about my first shave and solicit some feedback.
I purchased from SRD:
1. Dovo Bismark 6/8 bone
2. SRD Saddle wood soap and a SRD shaving bowl
3. 3" strop
4. Badger brush

The razor came professionally honed and shave ready. I wiped the oil off the blade after unpacking and did about a dozen nice and slow strops, taking my time to do it properly. Took a hot shower while I soaked the brush in hot water and then made up some lather in my bowl when I got out. I'm sure I could improve in the lather dept but whipped up something decent.
I expected the razor to ride smoothly down my face and my biggest fear was slicing myself. The complete opposite was the case. The razor was scraping my face, loudly. It kinda sounded like stropping. It was uncomfortable shaving as it just scrapped my beard and was painful. It felt like I was scraping off a layer of skin.
I lathered up small areas and practiced and I continued to get scraping at different blade angles and a good stretch.
At the end of the shave i didn't notice any removal of hair. I think I have a long road ahead of me. Is the scraping sound and feel normal? The razor was very 'jumpy' as it scraped and fought its way. I just want to make sure I have a good edge and sharp razor, and I know I have my work cut out to get a good shave.
I'll keep trying but I'm a little disappointed.
My non professional (im still a newbie like yourself, only 4 shaves in). but if its scraping along your skin and juddering i would guess as others have your shave angle is tool high, place the blade against your skin then raise the spine of it about 1cm off your skin then try that.

i cant offer much more help than that as i still find myself doing this every now and then and have to stop, think and try again

good luck and welcome to the club.

kris