Thread: 4 shaves in - some questions and concerns

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.

All very good advice, the only thing I might add is, practice, practice, practice. You won't get the feel for it after only a few shave's. The touch required takes some time, if you lucky only mabe 6 or 7 weeks, in my case just that many months[I'm a slow learner] Don't go for what the Holy Grail of Wet Shaving is, the "BBS" shave. just beard reduction, sides of the cheecks at first, finish with some other shaveing method that your more comfortable with for the time being. You'll get more and more confidence with time and ....Practice! Take stropping with a taught strop and very light pressure of the blade. Practive stropping with a plastic butter knife or such, and I mean every day, this might keep you from getting those unsightly beginers Knicks that can deface an otherwise inocent new strop. In no time at all you will be on this sight letting other Newb's know how to improve thier technique!!

Thank for you taking time to read my drivel, have a great week and of course a BBS, whenever '
Possible, tinkersd of SRP!

Thanks for all the great advice! A scything motion is fairly self-explanatory I think, but how do you do a guillotine motion? I have no French Kings laying around...

Originally Posted by MattCastle

Thanks for all the great advice! A scything motion is fairly self-explanatory I think, but how do you do a guillotine motion? I have no French Kings laying around...

Have you ever seen the blade angle on a Merkur Slant? It's the same idea. You hold the blade at a slight angle from horizontal and the shaving motion is straight down. It seems fairly straight forward, but I'm sure there are more than a couple members who've dug the blade into their cheek trying this out. This can be avoided by skin stretching and a smooth, confident stroke.

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