Thread: newbie doubting razor...

So I've been shaving for a month or two maybe with my straight, but i don't actually shave very often... and I want to blame it on my razor being sub-par or something like that...but i feel like chances are it's just me. But I can't get a very close shave on my neck and chin, especially (i'm currently rocking a goatee) right next to where my goatee stops on the left and right sides, last time i shaved i scraped skin off both sides trying to get it shaved...(i know, i know, too much pressure. but the hair just wouldn't come off!) i'm trying to figure out what it might be. i want to blame it on the fact that it's a new fromm, which i've heard are...mediocre. maybe it's my stropping technique? i don't think so though. The hone is fine. Maybe my technique...but i've tried a couple things differently, with no better results.
Should I just tough it out until I get better technique? I've considering buying a dovo just so I don't doubt my razor anymore...

What do you mean , when you say "the hone is fine" ? Was it honed by someone who is well known for their ability to hone a razor ? The neck and the chin usually take some time to learn .

Send your razor to a respected honemeister on this forum and make sure your razor is actually shave ready. Eliminate variables, one is a shave ready razor. One is your technique, one is your lather.

Most likely it is your technique, but it very well could be your razor.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=39.981935,-88.260270

"the hone is fine" means that i'm positive the hone is fine. I had Lynn do it.
It's the razor itself i'm doubting.
I guess it could be my lather as well, although it is a ton better now than it used to be. But i think I need some better soap than what i have right now. does williams lather up well?

Have you taken the time to map the growth Pattern of your Beard? The Hair on our Beards grows in a Variety of directions and swirls. You may find that understanding which way the hair in the problem area is laying/growing you can then alter your stretching or angle.

It took me a few months to feel comfortable enough to get my neck smooth. Takes time to find the right direction as the hair usually grows in funky patterns down there.

Plus skin stretching could help there as well.

If you've shaved a few times on the blade, could be a stropping issue. Check on your technique compared to the info/vids in the wiki.

Other than that, some pre-shave oil or other treatment may help soften the whiskers to get you a better shave.

i am going to use my best guess on this one and say its the face prep and technique. When I first started, my face would get all red and nowhere near BBS. Put the same tool in my hand today and I will get a seamless wonderful bbs shave. Just keep trying but try to advance the technique.

Best of Luck,

Pabster