Thread: Straight razor shave not as close as DE

I've been shaving with a straight for about 2 months. Had to shave with a DE the other day and it was much closer. Shaving with a Ralf Aust razor honed by Lynn. I think I'm doing the right things such as stropping and also have .5 micron paste on one side of my canvas strop. Shaving my chin has never been easy since my face is very angular. Any advice?

Thanks

It takes a long time to figure it out, about a year for me. Don't get discouraged and enjoy the experience.

I did read somewhere 100 shaves until you get consistent results, i think that is about right.

For me, good shaves came at the two month point and really great shaves took six months. I might be a slow learner, but it just takes time.

The question is how close is the straight shave? Is there stubble left behind? Does the razor pull? Does it feel harsh?

Also review your shaving angles and pressure. I have the Aust razor and it's a great shaver.

it took a little honing to smooth it out but it shaved really close out of the box.

The chin was the toughest area for me to learn also. Don't worry, you'll get there.

+1 on thebigspendur's comments. When it comes to your chin or any trouble area for that matter don't go in hacking and slashing like an amazon explorer. Take your time and plan your moves. Look closely at how the hair grows and most importantly how you shave. Save those areas for last when you can concentrate without having to worry about lather drying or just getting it done.

Shave on off hours when possible so you can take your time and enjoy it. A good SR shave at night should last you through the next day!

If your razor is tugging or pulling, leaving whiskers behind or causing irritation you may need have it honed. I killed two razors when I first started on the strop and had similar issues. A SR will trump a safety razor when used properly every time!

100 shaves sounds about right, and it gets much better. 3 months to get bbs. And now its every time. The biggest breakthrough lately was making an effort to keep the angle as low as possible. Actually the lowest angle that still cuts. My angle early on was too high and I was scraping. Hard to shave it off that way and the irritation was no bargain. I used to use pre shave, alum, lots of as balm etc. Now I do less prep and shave better. Zero irritation. BUT I will admit I almost packed it in a few times. I'm glad I hung around though.

About a year in I was feeling comfortable and getting great shaves. I was honing my razors too, which were less than stellar. But you gotta learn. That lead to some less than stellar shaves. Anyway, you will get there. I actually hate using a DE. I am not saying they are bad but a straight feels right to me.

Thank you, How did you hone your razor? Mine was honed by Lynn, but being a newbie, don't know if I've screwed it up?