Thread: Not quite shave ready but close. What's wrong?

Thank you Cosperryan. And I think I worked out the bugs in the system.

Bug #1 = I didn't know how to shave with a straight. Learning the feel for a different shave takes time and practice (and patience)!
Bug #2 = I didn't have the intermediate step in sharpening (Canvas and Chromium Oxide).
Bug #3 = I didn't use a hot soapy lather (used Shave Gel)


So... the good news, the last two shaves are getting much closer, almost as close as a disposable (where I shave A.T.G. ONLY). I've been shaving WTG with the straight, so it hasn't been a fair comparison. With my Chromium strop (CrOx applied to a piece of salvaged Blue Jean material), I'm getting sharp enough to comfortably shave ATG. I haven't done my entire face this way yet but I did the side burn areas and all went well. I can honestly say the ATG shave is as close as a disposable now. And... I'm getting the feel for it.

I just about quit, figuring that a shave as good as a new disposable wasn't possible with my course beard and why waste time with this if disposables are working. I'm glad I didn't quit. I've had enough success now that I know it's possible and that like most things it's the operator and not the tool.

Thanks for the tips and thank you Cosperryan for sending me a sharp razor! That showed me that my shaving technique was the number one problem.

side note: I found a good way to get a nice hot lather. We have a wood stove and I just set a coffee mug 1/3 full of water on top until it almost boils then take that with me when I shave. I dip the brush in here then build lather on the bar of soap (Williams) in a second mug. When I'm done, I just rinse the second mug and my brush and it's ready for the next day. Nice hot thick lather!