Thread: can gel?

I just used a straight razor for the first time yesterday. I used a dovo razor and cake soap and brush I bought at wal-mart.
It felt like the razor did not slide real good so I tried my can of edge gel for sensitive skin.
My question is does that high dollar stuff work that much better than edge brand gel?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Originally Posted by Deanstreet

I just used a straight razor for the first time yesterday. I used a dovo razor and cake soap and brush I bought at wal-mart.
It felt like the razor did not slide real good so I tried my can of edge gel for sensitive skin.
My question is does that high dollar stuff work that much better than edge brand gel?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Yep, the high end stuff is that much better then the canned, even the walmart puck you bought (which i own) is actually a really great lathering puck for the price, and u might have some trouble lathering or getting a proper water to soap ratio which makes a huge difference this might help:Making basic cream lather in three different ways - Straight Razor Place Wiki

There could be many reasons why your shave was uncomfortable. read the wiki for help there, but its alot of info to trawl through.
some of the common problems are...

Lack of prep.
There is an infinate combinations of prep methods avalable, and you just need to experiment to find what works for you. Personally i like a hot shower and really scrub my beard to remove grease and debris.i use some preshave oil and let that soak while i whip up some lather and apply that.
i let the lather sit while i strop my razor, touch up the lather and shave.
The oil under the lather helps the razor glide over the skin, and because my beard has been kept moist for a good 10 mins before i shave it has softened the hairs.

dull razor,
just because a razor is brand new dosent mean its sharp. straight from the factory they are still quite blunt, and need to be sharpened on a hone by some one who knows what they are doing. and then stropped before use.

Lack of experience,
your first shave is never going to be great you need to learn how to use your razor. learn what angle and direction your strokes need to be to get the best result and most comfort. just keep playing with it. go slow and steady and hopfully you will have the minimum of blood spilty on your learning curve.

hope that helped

There are so many reasons you didn't get a comfortable shave -- you really need to check this site for guides and videos that will help you.

As to your specific question -- Yes, the more expensive soaps do a better job, but you don't have to spend a fortune. I just tried Proraso for the first time (got it at SRD) and it not only comes in its own tub, but is a much richer lather than the cup soap I was using.

Also, your brush makes a difference, and I got my badger brush at Amazon for around $20 (Omega). So, you don't have to spend a bundle on that either.

Welcome to STR8 razor shaving, and welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by Deanstreet

I just used a straight razor for the first time yesterday. I used a dovo razor and cake soap and brush I bought at wal-mart.
It felt like the razor did not slide real good so I tried my can of edge gel for sensitive skin.
My question is does that high dollar stuff work that much better than edge brand gel?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

My first soap was AOS Lemon......still have it, still love it. I still remember that first straight shave. When I finished I then took the other 4 cans of Edge gel I owned and gave them to my brother-in-law. Now they're his problem! There's a huge difference.

Edge Gel is to shaving what Cheese Whiz is to appetizers.

Welcome to SRP! I've been living here for over a year. It's a great place to be!