Thread: 4 shaves in - some questions and concerns

A few quick ideas on technique. Too much pressure or too large an angle can greatly harm the stroke's smoothness, so if it's those then first it's the "no really, zero pressure" mantra and the second is experiment with a smaller angle. Kind of along those is keeping the skin well stretched: taught skin is very much necessary for that kind of stroke. And stropping is one that tripped me up for a long while, always going too heavy on the stroke; only just now getting a good consistent feel (six months in).

MattCastle,

Where in Ontario are you. If you're in or around Toronto, we could take out some variables. We can definitely make sure the blade is ruled out.

In the meantime, focus on those small strokes. IME they work the best. Keep and eye on your angle too, because it has a lot to do with how the razor will feel when it comes in contact with hair.

Keep us posted, and drop me a PM if you need some help.

Maxi

You didn't mention whether you were stropping your Dovo. If you are not, that might be the issue. If you are, then that also might be the issue.

Your problem is really very common among rookies. It's hard to tell if it's a blade or user problem however if the razor was professionally sharpened and assuming you didn't mis-strop it leaves you as the likely culprit. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day and either is straight razor shaving skill so, just watch your angle and pressure.

I am stropping after every shave - 20 passes on the linen and 50 on the leather. I know that this is a common problem for new straight razor users, I guess I'll just keep practicing and see if it solves itself

I'm not sure if I should be telling you this, but a scything or guillotine stroke really helps here. I say that because they are technically "advanced" maneuvers, so if you attempt it don't blame me for any blood loss.....

Straight razors were designed to be using with a slicing or scything stroke...you shouldn't be trying to just plow through the hairs.
Just be careful not to slice too much in the stroke.

While stropping, blade angle, and too much pressure are possible culprits, some of the smaller pieces to the puzzle to consider could be beard prep and consistency of lather (too wet or too dry). I know if I rush either of these, then sometimes the shave isn't so smooth and I experience the tugging/pulling sensation even though I know the edge of the razor is shave ready.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Your problem is really very common among rookies. It's hard to tell if it's a blade or user problem however if the razor was professionally sharpened and assuming you didn't mis-strop it leaves you as the likely culprit. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day and either is straight razor shaving skill so, just watch your angle and pressure.

Matt, you never mention of the razor was honed by a professional. If it was not, you won't be abler to isolate the problem since it may just be a dull blade. They rarely come shave ready from the factory.

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

Matt, you never mention of the razor was honed by a professional. If it was not, you won't be abler to isolate the problem since it may just be a dull blade. They rarely come shave ready from the factory.

Jeff, read the bottom of post #1