5/8 Spencer, Hibbard & Bartlett-OVB (our very best) german made TOBS St. James homemade brush Been getting some nice shaves off this stick. Have a good one.
L'Occitane Cade Simpson Tulip Super Badger Whitehead scuttle Jerry Stark 6/8 Dry Gulch strop Lucky Tiger AS L'Occitane Cade ASB YSL Rive Gauche
I've noticed, though only three shaves into learning, the the Straight gives a pulling sensation when it's about to bite. So far, I've been able to pay attention to that and back off before doing something dumb and cutting myself.
When I use a heavily mentholated soap, I can't always feel this. Its caused cuts all three times I have used Sterling Glacial soap.
Bingo. I've tried to describe this sensation before (probably unsuccessfully), but if you're concentrating on the shave, most of the time she'll let you know before she bites. This is into contrast to, for example, a Feather shavette, where it provides zero warning and simply cleaves off that bit of flesh. These days it seems that if I get a cut, it's because I've put the blade to my face with the edge angle too perpendicular to my face. It's amazing how quickly they'll bite when you do this and with almost no pressure. A subtle reminder to pay attention to what I'm doing.
I think the Ralf Aust straights are the best bargain in the New Straight Razor market these days. Great little razors and an infinitely better option than other big name Solingens at the same price.
Thank you for the kind words. All the credit for this one goes to @Keithmax . On the thirty day focus thread, the guys were taunting (good-natured) me about when I was going to try SR. Keith messaged me and said he had a razor for me to try. I took him up on it and here I am. Another cool little thing to add to the pile of good things you read on the forum! I am learning to strop on a 4 side WD paddle. Once I get used to doing it, I bought a 45 leather/poly hanging strop from Adam to be my main strop going forth. I know little to nothing about straights or strops or hones. But credit goes were credit is due...I've had a decent run at it so far, and it's all because of things I have read on this forum. I've lurked this thread for a year, admiring all the steel and the skills that go into using, practicing and maintaining a real razor. You guys are practically a panel of collectors and experts. Step back some time and read these boards like an outsider. You guys are an amazing resource on the topic of straight razors. (Thanks and sorry for minor thread hijack...back to pretty pics of steel)
We love to see new folks to the thread become regulars. Enabling others allows us to see more cool straights . Any questions, just ask. You're in the right place.
Thanks Mike. I did put a stripe underneath my left jaw exactly as you describe, something less than a "cut" but red and oozing blood. The other mistake today, I was going EW and WE on the chin, got sloppy with the grip angle and scraped myself up a bit. Lather seems to be a bigger factor here than with safety razors. Some soap experimentation may be in order after 15-20 more shaves. And also is PSO a good idea while learning to do this stuff?
There will be blood, it's all part of the learning process. I shed blood on my journey and still do from time time. The important thing is to not leave any scars.
I learned today that I would prefer a small nick to a post shave sensation of scraped face. I am learning something every time!
You may find you prefer your lather a little wetter than you're used to. Straights seem to like a wet lather. I used PSO in the very beginning, but soon learned that good facial prep (I shower and wash my face before I shave), and a little extra time lathering and working with the brush eliminated the need for PSO.
