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Thread: Help with a newbie and a jumpy blade

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    Default Help with a newbie and a jumpy blade

    So about 2 years ago I switched to a DE for all the usual reasons. About 2 months ago I picked up a shavette and discovered what a great shave typically using feather DE blades. So last week I picked up my first true Straight Razo a Dovo Bismark from SRD. I was surprised that I was haveing trouble shaving since the shavette was like second nature. I'm getting a lot of tuging and the blade seems to jump on me. Obviously I'm not doing something right. Was hoping you guys could help diagnose the issue the help speed thelearning curve. In terms of razor sharpness the blad does cut hair in the HHT but more often then not it will shave the hir length wise as aposed to just cutting through it.
    All help for the newbie is appreciated
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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Could be shave technique, the razor, or a combination of the two. Sounds as if the razor is sharp though. Is the shave clean and smooth in some areas and giving you trouble in other areas ? Skin stretching, blade angle and angle of attack play a large role in success with a straight razor IME. Slicing the whiskers, with what some call the 'guillotine stroke', rather than chopping them as if you were swinging an ax into a tree, is more efficient and effective.

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    Default Re: Help with a newbie and a jumpy blade

    I too had this issue at first. For me the cure was more skin stretching, slicker lather, and less angle. Wish you well!

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    all I have to say is angle angle angle... And a slightly thicker lather than needed for a DE to cushion and lubricate the cutting action. DO NOT let the lather get dry...
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    Senior Member ironsidegnr's Avatar
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    I had the same problem when I started too.

    Technique was a bit of a problem for me. My angle was way too high. My biggest problem though was that I was taking too long and my lather was starting to dry out. Don't be afraid to reapply!!

    Hope it helps!
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    Senior Member matloffm's Avatar
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    I shave with a Dovo Bismark also. I am also an experienced DE shaver. I am coming to the conclusion that straights are just not as sharp as a good DE blade, e.g. Feather. I don't get skipping anymore because my technique is constantly improving, but even where I can shave WTG and ATG, the straight doesn't cut as smoothly or as close as a DE. This is my experience so far. By the way, I have a very tough beard, especially around the mouth.
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    Quote Originally Posted by matloffm View Post
    I shave with a Dovo Bismark also. I am also an experienced DE shaver. I am coming to the conclusion that straights are just not as sharp as a good DE blade, e.g. Feather. I don't get skipping anymore because my technique is constantly improving, but even where I can shave WTG and ATG, the straight doesn't cut as smoothly or as close as a DE. This is my experience so far.
    I wont say I am am experienced by any means but I have had a couple lucky shaves where my razor has given a very smooth comfortable shave. Not giving me any lip about my stubble against the grain.. I am not consistent with this yet but I would not say that a good straight is not as sharp as a DE.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    I am not qualified to say whether a straight is as sharp as a Feather DE ..... but I can say , in all honesty, that I can get as close and smooth a shave with a straight as I can with a Feather in a Merkur Slant or any one of many other DEs. Now I could not say that a few years ago but I can say it now.

    When you figure that it takes an experienced straight razor shaver 10 to 15 minutes to shave, once a day ...... takes many shaves to master technique and improve it. So, for me anyway, the first few years were a process of shaves getting better, hitting a plateau, and then getting even better. Still happening really.
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
    I am not qualified to say whether a straight is as sharp as a Feather DE ..... but I can say , in all honesty, that I can get as close and smooth a shave with a straight as I can with a Feather in a Merkur Slant or any one of many other DEs. Now I could not say that a few years ago but I can say it now.

    When you figure that it takes an experienced straight razor shaver 10 to 15 minutes to shave, once a day ...... takes many shaves to master technique and improve it. So, for me anyway, the first few years were a process of shaves getting better, hitting a plateau, and then getting even better. Still happening really.
    (off topic.
    My ritual lasts about 30+ minutes.. I enjoy ever moment of it as I am learning so much each time..)

    I have not ordered a razor from SRD but do they hone them to shave ready upon purchase? And how is your stropping, starting out slow and making sure you dont raise the spine off the strop?
    Down there between your legs, it is like an entertainment complex in the middle of the sewage system. Who designed that?
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    I am a Master Barber and I started shaving clients 20 years ago. I started shaving myself 3 years ago and I felt like I was starting all over again. It is different shaving yourself than someone else, Let me tell you.

    I will say, though, Since I started shaving my self 3 years ago my art of shaving clients has drastically improved.

    I will almost venture to say that if you take the advice of others in the post and really concentrate on really stretching the skin this will clear up most of your issue. (and of course never shave with dry lather, even with a DE)

    I have used shavettes and traditional straights on both clients and myself and I will say that I experience less to no razor burn with a traditional straight than with a DE or a Shavette. A shavette is almost like a DE, the main difference with a shavette is you have more control of the angle of the blade and how it contacts with your face

    For me, I have never gotten a closer shave with anything else like i get with a Straight razor. Another technical thing that may help, and has for me, is when you strop. If your strop is wide enough to take the full length of the blades edge, you still want to use the X pattern in stropping, it provides a more polished and sharper edge.

    Hope this helps.

    Your friendly Master Barber,
    Brent Nelsen

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