Thread: 4 shaves in - some questions and concerns

So I just finished my fourth shave with a straight (yes I know I shave late at night) and I have some concerns. While I'm getting fairly decent shaves, I'm still concerned that my Dovo Prima Klang isn't sharp enough. I posted about this before and got the advice that if it shaves OK then there's nothing to worry about. While it does shave OK, it does feel like it's pulling. Instead of gliding through hair in one motion, like I imagined it would, I instead have to do very small strokes over the same area. If I try and just cut through an area in one stroke it's almost like the blade gets caught - it won't go any further and I'm just tugging on it. Is it my technique or is my razor actually dull?

Just so you all know, I had my razor professionally honed by Classic Shaving when I bought it. The only problem is since I'm a newb I really can't tell what the problem is.

Thanks for the advice

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.

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!