Hi All, Relatively new to the forum. I've been DEing for over two years. The last month I've been learning how to use a shavette (got one free with a purchase oooooh!) Finally my first straight arrived care of whippeddog (excellent service, highly recommend it). I was totally surprised how easy shaving with the straight was in comparison to the shavette. However, one thing that bothered me is the tugging of the razor through 2 days growth (for me about 2mm). Having a really shallow angle seemed to help a little and adding a little pressure helped also (I used absolutely NO pressure with the shavette). So here's my question: Is my technique faulty or is the razor not sharp enough? The razor came shave ready from whippeddog. I have now stropped it so will see if it's easier tomorrow. I must say coming from the shavette the straight experience was awesome. So much more feedback and so forgiving. Only nicked myself once and that was because of a lapse in my concentration. The length of the blade also made a great deal of difference (was using feather DE's snapped in half in the shavette) and I could shave in directions the shavette could only dream of.
to TSD "Simon" I never did find straight shaving comfortable or fun and so I can't give you an answer. Two things I can tell you, a shavette blade, being half a DE blade, is so very thin and is VERY sharp! Also you can take a perfectly sharp straight edge and strop it dull. I know because I've done it with knives many times. If I were you I would concentrate on technique. Good luck :happy08:
Hi Simon and welcome to The Shave Den. First, it's good that you've some time with the DE before beginning the straight. A tuggy blade is an indication of a need for proper stropping, or in some cases a need for the blade to be touched up, or possibly even re-honed. Many vendors sell their razors as "shave ready", but fail to stress to the new owner that a good stropping is needed before the first shave. It sounds like this was your experience too. I would try stropping first. If that helps, then you'll know. If the stropping is of no help, then it may be time to seek help from an experienced straight razor mechanic. There's a learning curve here. Don't let a few bugs in the beginning discourage you.
I'm certainly not discouraged, absolutely love it. I've stropped the blade about 60 times and will try again tomorrow! I've been really pleased with my first shave, not BBS, but certainly a feel good smooth!
A well-honed and stropped razor should not tug. That being said, there are some things that can contribute to a less-than-perfect shaving experience. Your Technique — finding both the right angle and pressure ensure a smooth, even, shave stroke. This takes practice to find the ideal for all the contours of your face. Your stropping —Here is an area where many beginners struggle and often do more harm than good to the razor's edge. The Edge — the definition of 'shave ready' condition seems to vary, but having a reliable hone-meister do the job ensures a TRUE shave-ready edge. The type of blade — I find certain styles and makes of straight razors easier to shave with. A 5/8" width blade (with no smile), rounded tip, is often recommended for beginners. Larger, heavier blades or those with a smile can pose a greater challenge.
When I got a razor from Whipped Dog, it had instructions that there was no need to strop before shaving. I did not strop after either my first or second shave. I stropped incorrectly before my third shave, noticeably dulling the edge. I haven't used a shavette yet, although I am in a PIF for on that ends soon. I imagine that a straight has a greater angle on the final bevel than does a manufactured DE blade and may therefore be less able to slice through a whisker without pulling. Can anyone who regularly uses straights confirm or deny this?
welcome! I think it might be technique because I have a nice Dovo straight and I cant get a decent shave with it. it either cuts no hair or it tugs real bad. I need more practice with it which is what I would suggest in your case as well.
Welcome aboard. We have a number of guys working on SR technique and we have some serious guru's with them as well. Lots of help around here!
Welcome aboard. I moved from a shavette to a straight about a month ago. There is a learning curve, but it is a lot of fun. Check out the 30 day focus thread in the general section. There are three or four of us who are all learning straight razor shaving this month, and it has been pretty awesome, with a lot of good information shared.
