Thread: Needs some words of encouagement. What am I doing wrong?

I've been straight shaving for nearly six months and my shaves are still not perfect, though FAR better than when I started. As I've mentioned to a few others, this is not an activity for those who want instant gratification (not saying you are, but it's something to keep in mind).

I think all the talk of "great shaves in no time" and all the complaining about cartridges and "canned goo" sets up a lot of newbies for discouragement. I always got great shaves with the Pro Glide, although I've always been a wet shaver along with it. I've been at it for around 140 shaves now, but still find the DEs and Pro Glide give a great shave. They do it easier and quicker because no technique is required. I wasn't getting really good shaves that rival those methods until after 100 shaves and then only when I put in the time on a shave and really worked at it.

My first 10 shaves I was worried only about survival. My technique had improved by shave 30 to the point that I could get a decent shave but still not one like I could get with a cartridge. But then I don't straight shave because the shaves are better, although they might eventually be so, but because straight shaving is far more fun. The results will come, but only for the patient. The learning curve at first is very steep, and after that it is still quite long. It can be done, but it cannot be done easily for quickly.

It takes a lot of getting used to, shaving with a straight. I tried in 1981, with no help whatsoever and didn't get through the first shave. By 2009, the internet and SRP was here to help. My first shave was total crap, but I was proud that I'd finished the shave intact. Now, with 500+ under my belt, I get BBS every time, but there's always room to improve.

You CAN DO THIS!

I've always loved flintlock rifles. I built a kit at age 11, that while it was shoot-able, that's all it was. Now, I can build a totally hand made rifle, casting the brass butt plate and trigger guard, hammering out the sheet brass from a casting, forging a barrel and lock. Using 18th century tools and techniques, I can make a rifle that looks like it just left the shop 250 years ago. I've had to learn wood working, carving, metallurgy, blacksmithing, and machining without a lathe. Therefore, you can learn to use, care for, and hone a straight razor.

There is a huge learning curve here. Your prep is near perfect, as far as I can see. Time, experience, and patience will get you to a BBS shave.

My wife remarked to me last week about how smooth my face was. I have been shaving with a straight razor about a year and a half. From the beginning I just shaved pieces of my face with the straight and finished up with a DE. As time went on almost without notice my stroping improved, my razor care improved as did my shaving technique. I even got pretty good at honing. Shave with both hands are you kidding no way. I now shave with both hands. You have to stick with it, sometimes taking a step back. If you want to do it you will get comfortable with the razor and those BBS will haappen. By the way you will still nick yourself occasionally.