hi everyone - well i had my first shave with a straight razor today ( a wapi) im really happy with it, but i think ive still got some learning to do i managed to do both cheeks and my throat - but i struggled around my chin and my muzzy the razor came shave ready from - THE INVISABLE EDGE but i just couldnt get that baby smooth feel, exept for a spot by my chin - i got that real smooth. i dont know if my problem was the shave cream i was using - the "KENT" cream, i think i may have applied it too thick with not enough water as i felt the blade sticking, and dragging on my face ha ha. when i started to use more water it seemed to get easier and smoother. if anyone has got any tips im all ears.................. im looking forward to next time lol. thanks j
I have just started with a straight so I don't have a whole lot to bring to the table. One thing I have noticed, is like you with thick lather with a lot of cushion, I get a lot of blade stuck to the lather sensation like you do. With a straight, I think an ultra slick lather is more important than one that offers a lot of cushion and protection like you would want with a DE razor. Also with a thinner lather you get more feedback from the razor so you know what the blade is doing to the hairs/skin while it's cutting. Use more water in your lather or use a glycerin or slick milled soap like tabac. Also I wouldn't worry too much about getting BBS smooth. I do as best I can without causing too much irritation, then while it's growing out, check to see the grain of the stubble you missed to figure out which way it grows, so you know better at what angle you should approach those areas.
hi thans for your reply. i shaved my cheeks downwards, so maybe this explains why i didnt get really smooth. i just watched a vid on here and the guy in the vid was shaving up - against the grain. i shaved my neck down also, which for me is going with the grain. do you go with or against the grain?
Usually it's 3 or 4 passes, 1 with the grain North to south or top to bottom, 2x across the grain at opposing angles, then 1x against the grain, this really depends on if your skin can tolerate it, some people cannot. As I said before go slowly with the straight, no need to rush as there is quite a bit of a learning curve with these. Have you read Dr Chris Moss's wet shaving how to PDF? if you haven't you really should, there is some great info in there. http://www.shavemyface.com/downloads/The-Straight-Razor-Shave.pdf
You sound like you did really well. The chin and the upper lip are hard, still have the odd problem here, one year in. Lathering is important, too thick and it's too dry, too thin and it drips off the blade, aim for in between. I only started to get it right consistently when i started making it in a bowl, when it begins to stick to the sides. Also, if you have the impression that it's dried out on the face, re-lather. Skin stretching is key as well. As superbleu says, don't worry about speed, it'll come in its own time. Oh, and never push the blade, recipe for razor burn at best and a good cut at worst.
for a first straight shave you did very good especially with no major blood loss, the chin is an issue with a lot of guys, don't expect really great shaves for at least several weeks maybe months there is a lot of learning involved in holding the straight using it getting your technique down doing number of passes etc, it took me at least a few weeks before I was moving the straight around comfortably without thinking about it and that is when the shaves started improving. the invisibleedge has a great rep so I am sure the razor was shave ready for your first shave, just make sure for next shaves you strop it properly I have taken my stropping up a bit lately to at least 100 passes 50 linen/50 leather and found it is making a difference good luck
Sounds awesome mate! I'm jealous--my razors are in need of honing, I can't get a good shave off of them.
Congratuations on your first straight shave! As mentioned before, that is not bad at all for the first time ever, you will learn over the next weeks. I'd say, you need a few weeks before you get the first "perfect" shave, it's a lot to get right; technique (angle of the blade, pressure, speed etc), pattern (learning how your beard grows), preparation etc etc Good stropping makes a world of difference, this is essential, don't skip this stage!
Looks like you are off to a good start! I personally do not change my lathering whether I use a straight or not. The thickness should not make a difference. What may be happening is that you are laying the razor too flat on your face, and this may be why you are experiencing this sticking. Just be mindful of your angle and skin stretching and see if that makes a difference.
thanks everyone - nice to see your all here for help and advice when needed. i have been suffering acute razor burn today , and also i can already feel my stubble coming through. how much is laser removal for face stubble ha ha.
Sounds like you're doing very well so far. It took me a while with a straight razor before I started getting really good shaves, but stick with it. It's worth it, and you'll be great at it sooner than you think!
Hi Homeriscool, I have been using my straight for only about a month now, so anyone who knows better is welcome to tell me I'm wrong. I have found that when I shave my upper lip it can help to use a finger of my other hand to give a little support to the razor. But as I have said, I'm no expert. I have gotten to the stage that I can go to work and not look like I have shaved with a broken bottle (something which I'm quite proud of).
