Blade skipping across face!

I have been shaving with disposbles for a few weeks now and I finally bought a true straight razor (shave ready) and tried it this morning. As soon as I tried shaving the blade was skipping across my face! I didn't even get one cheek done when I put the razor away and finished with my disposable. I gave the razor the hair test and it passed so I am wondering what the problem might be.

thanks!

It sounds to me as you are a bit off on the angles.
Generally, the angles used with disposables are a bit less than with a straight.
Try to raise the spine a bit further away from your face.
But please be careful, you only need to adjust the angles a little bit.

check these beginners tips and good luck.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ay-2011-a.html

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Originally Posted by Edgeof40

check these beginners tips and good luck.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ay-2011-a.html

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Thanks for the tips link. I will try to incorporate what I read. What I see is an emphasis on lather. How do I make a good lather? When I lather my face the lather has stiff peaks but it feels dry. Maybe this has something to do with it.

It sounds like the angle you were using with your disposable straight is not high enough to work with a proper straight. When you raise the spine, remember that you must also decrease pressure as you go. Good luck!

I say whip more water in your lather. It'll glide better. The key is to find out how much water you can incorporate with the peaks remaining somewhat stiff (i.e. standing, in bowl lathering).

Most definitely recommended adjusting your angle. Try a spine width off the cheek, and I'd bet it makes a big difference. Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ace

It sounds like the angle you were using with your disposable straight is not high enough to work with a proper straight. When you raise the spine, remember that you must also decrease pressure as you go. Good luck!

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Sorry, I don't follow

Improper angle would be my first guess, then insufficient beard prep.

To get the correct angle for a WTG pass try placing the blade flat on the skin then carefully raise the spine to about 2 spine widths away or even a little less but no more. Then as you move the blade keep the pressure REALLY light and just try to sweep the lather off. Dont try to scrape the whiskers they will come anyway.

This link to the wiki shows some lather building tips also.

Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

In addition to the tips above, skin stretching will help a lot.