Chris, if you have one ready go ahead send it to Jim. I would need to find one and hone it. I'm going to try to make a video on stroping together with Mike today. I have a couple of his razors I have to return after getting them honed. Maybe, if he has the time we can put a little something together on stroping. I'll call him to make sure. Raf
Okay Jim, I'm up! So, I need some feedback from you on what were the best characterstics of the two razors that you've used. I have a few wedges that I can send, and need to know where to stop in size. I'm also thinking of sending another hollow-grind razor just for experimentation/confirmation with your beard (of course, that's if you're willing). Standing by for info... For TraderJoe-- How's the healing? Any issues with the razors thus far, or is it just perfecting your technique with the new tools?
Chris they both pulled and irritated my face. The first shave I only stropped 15x( Strap) you had just sent it, so I did not think it needed a lot of work. for the 2nd shave I used the paddle and the strap and gave it a good 30-40 X same result. They arrived wrapped well and I can not see them having been jostled too much in shipping.
Jim, I'm gonna send three different razors -- two will be wedges to see if that improves the cutting performance like Raf mentioned. Just to cover the bases, can you describe your stropping? Was there any sag in the hanging strop, or was it held tightly? Did you use the linen/canvas at all? How much pressure did you use -- "none at all" or with some feeling of drag? I'm thinking that you might need a little heavier action on the stropping to prepare the razor, especially with your particular beard.
Jim, Just another thought that I've had about your situation... Can you describe the differences in your technique between using your Feather AC and the traditional straight razors -- speed of strokes, angle of the blade, pressure, etc?
Actually, I think the problem was that I didn't strop the blade at all.....before any of the shaves. could that be it? I'm ready to go tomorrow morning with a straight razor shave, 98% healed as of this minute ::
Well no freakin' wonder! At least that's a totally fixable problem. Now you should get BBS in one pass!!
Chris I did not use the canvas side at all The strop was taught and the blade was ...well.. stropped. ...with some pressure. I have used a strop before in my dads wood shop. I am not sure what I can say about technique, I am slow but comfortable with the feather straight. the traditional straight was so uncomfortable that I did not have a technique.
Jim, Thanks for the reply -- not trying to badger you (HA!). I'm just trying to figure out where something might be fixed that will lead to better shaves. Since you've had good results with the Feather, I was hoping there would be something obviously different that is affecting performance. In any case, the replacements will be enroute shortly.
Ok, we have not heard from you guys for a while. It is time for an update on your shaves!!!!! Let's hear it!!!!! Raf
I finally got three different razors off to Jim as replacements for the current ones. Two wedges and another hollow-ground razor (sharpened by Bill Ellis). I hope these help Jim with his SER experience.
Better look tomorrow! Today's a holiday. :rofl (Course, I'm waiting on an Ebay str8 myself, so the mail better get here quick tomorrow!)
Well, a few "things" happened recently and I just haven't been able to focus on it.....but I have been shaving (just with a DE). Going to give it a go again, I have a feeling it may help to strop these puppies
Keep going guys. I know you can do it. I have another str8 coming in shortly so with 2 to try and my horsehide strop here, (Wait, maybe I could have just run the str8 back and forth across my horse) :rofl I can start to try using a str8 in earnest.
I am also waiting for a couple of blades. I hear there is a Filly coming my way!! Can't wait to try it. Raf
You scared me there for a moment. I thought you were getting a horse. :rofl Then I realized it was a Filarmonica str8.
OK -- seeing some references to this thread, so giving it an update... Doc-- I will move you down the list due to your pending travel. Jim-- Replacement straights should be there any day now. TJ-- Let's get some feedback on your problems. I'd like to help you make progress. Overall, I think the pass-around is doing what it was suppose to. Although Jim & TJ may not end up getting into straights, they have also not had to invest in equipment that they wouldn't keep. I will say that their experience, so far, also reflects a comment by Joe Lerch that accomplished DE users (especially slant DE users) are some of the hardest individuals to "convert" to straight razor use. Their mastery with the DE reduces the tolerance to sub-par shaves while learning the different technique.
