Thread: Do you get razor burn?

The original poster had been using a Feather DE, before trying a straight razor. IMHO, a Feather DE blade is a good proxy for a really sharp straight razor, held at a proper angle against the skin.

Two questions:

1) Were you doing an ATG pass with the Feather DE?

2) Did you have razor burn with the Feather DE ?

If answer to (1) is "yes", and answer to (2) is "no", then either:

. . . your straight-razor edge is not as sharp as the Feather DE, or

. . . you're using more pressure on the straight razor, than you used on the Feather DE, or

. . . you're using too steep an angle for the ATG pass (which is easy to do!).

If answer to (1) is "no":

. . . See what an ATG pass with the Feather DE feels like (very very light pressure -- the ATG hairs tend to pull the edge into your skin!).

If no razor burn that way, your straight razor needs honing or more stopping, or you should reduce the pressure you're using.

. . Charles

Originally Posted by tboyer

I agree, sharp razor, light touch, good technique
(I use a glide with a SR, and shave my chin with the
heal of the blade, so it doesn't flex much), and prep.

Yup ... It took me a while to get everything just right so I didn't get razor burn or nicked. BUT in time you learn your face and improve your technique as well as handling the razor.
Once you figure it all out you will have a shave like you never imagined possible.
Just remember to never get to comfortable as thats when you get bit lol

There are so many factors that influence the "pleasure" of shaving with a straight is makes it fun to learn. Although I much prefer my mistakes to result in less than DFS or BBS results, razor burn takes the fun out.

I have recently found that if I rewet my face between passes, it has reduced if not eliminated razor burn. I focus on my shaving technique and pay attention to my str8's angle. Actually it has been quite a while since I have last experienced razor burn.

By keeping my str8 razor shaving process simple, I have come away with an almost BBS shave and no razor burn. The BBS will eventually come with time, practice, and patience.

I almost never do ATG because I'm still not quite as skilled as I'd like to be, but I use a mix of WTG and XTG shaving. I have sensitive skin, so I've traditionally razor-burned at the drop of an excuse. I've finally got my str8-shaving to the point where I'm just getting a nice shave every morning, rather than a burnt-out mess.

However:

In my experience, the difference between the best shave ever and razorburn is a second and a half with a handful of sunscreen.

Now, if anyone knows how to put an end to *that,* they'd be my hero.