Thread: I was sure this wouldn't be me

I've been shaving daily with a shavette for about a month and a half now. I've gotten to the point finally where I get pretty damn good shaves every day and knick myself rarely. I know my shavette is a sub-par instrument though compared to real straights, so I've really been looking forward to when it was in the budget to get my first real straight. About a week ago it finally was and I ordered a Dovo Best Quality from SRD and an Illinois strop from amazon.com.

Yesterday my razor arrived and it was like Christmas morning. I nearly couldn't wait to shave with it the the next day. Just for kicks when I unwrapped it I gave it the HHT, which to my surprise it didn't pass. No matter though, I know the real test is shaving with it. So this morning I had at it. I know SRD's razors come shave-ready so I simply wiped off the thin coat of oil and started. I fully expected it to be the best shave I've had to date.

I can't tell you how sad and totally surprised I am to say it was awful. It yanked the whiskers horribly and irritated the skin along the way. I made sure to not use much if any pressure, adjust my angle, all to no avail. It was so rough and uncomfortable I actually pulled out the shavette and finished my shave with that.

Now, I know and I've read many, many times on this forum (I read a lot and post very little), that 9.9 times out of 10 it's user error when someone gets a shave-ready razor from a reputable source and has problems with it. I also know Lynn's stellar reputation which is of course why I bought from him. So I'm willing to concede that I'm most likely doing something wrong here. I just can't figure what it is.

I like to think my technique is getting pretty good from using the shavette for the last 45 or so shaves. I understand there may be slight differences but could they be that different as far as having to change technique drastically? I've been told by other members here that when they had their first shave with a real straight after using a shavette that it was like a wonderful dream.

I haven't received my strop yet, so that rules out poor stropping technique as the culprit. All I did to the razor before I shaved with it was gently wipe off the oil, per instructions on SRD's website.

Other than that the routine was the same as I've been using to get great shaves every morning: Preshave is just a hot shower, good lather with a badger brush and puck of Williams.

What did I do wrong? Should I wait until I receive my strop, give it a good stropping and then see how it goes? Any help is appreciated.


Lawrence

I had a very similar experience when I began. Trust me it will get much much better, you really just need to work on technique. A slightly change in angle could mean a world of a difference. Try going very slow next time, with very very light pressure, and toy with the angle until it cuts smoothly. That's my best advice and it worked for me but I'm sure others will help also

I'd say give it another go (even if your strop hasn't arrived yet) when your irritation has cleared up and see if there's any improvement.

I think ATS200 hit on it. Realize that the blade in your shavette is very thin and the angle formed at the edge of the blade is going to be much more acute than the angle of a straight. This means the angle of approach of the blade relative to your skin is going to be different. You spent up to 45 times developing your muscle memory to hold your shavette at a particular angle in order to maximize your cutting stroke. Now your brain and body are keeping you from shaving right! In other words, your use of the shavette MIGHT have put you at a disadvantage.

Now realize that I have never used a shavette and may be completely wrong in my speculation. I suspect that you will be able to adjust fairly soon to the straight razor, but I suggest that you do not use the shavette until you get the straight worked out. Hang in there.

Lawrence,

I'm sorry your first experience with a straight wasn't what you hoped, but it WILL get better! As ats mentioned angle is crucial. Although I've never used a shavette I've heard others say it doesn't exactly translate to a straight. When I was first learning I found it felt like the razor was dragging/pulling when I inadvertently used an angle greater than 30 degrees. Ive heard Lynn say this is often because ones wrist tends to flip back (hyperextend) if you're not thinking about it. Remember to use a light touch too. Never force or push the blade.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the thoughts. I'll give it another go tomorrow and pay closer attention to, and further experiment with the angle.

there is a world of difference when shaving with a straight. when you get comfortable and confident with it, you should have no problems. remember, preshave prep is critical, as is technique

Place the spine against your cheek then carefully lower the rest of the blade against your skin. Next lift the spine so it is just hovering above your skin. Your angle will be in the ballpark. Adjust as needed.

I think the 30 degree shaving angle recommendation does more harm than good. I think the angle should almost aways be lower than that, especially for a beginner's first attempts.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I think the 30 degree shaving angle recommendation does more harm than good. I think the angle should almost aways be lower than that, especially for a beginner's first attempts.

I totally agree. As you get to 30 degrees and above, if any pressure is applied at all, things get dicey, and I mean 'dicey' as in dicing carrots.