Well, I finally decided to try shaving with my straight, and only managed to get through one cheek. No cuts or razorburn, just didn't feel quite right. The straight seemed to "pull" like a dull DE blade will, and did not seem to cut the hairs as smoothly as I would like. It was bought "shave ready" - honed and stropped, and this was my first use of the razor. I tried a number of blade attack angles, and while some were better, all seemed to feel like the hair was being pulled out. I was shaving with the grain. Anyone have any suggestions here? I wound up doing only one cheek before I figured I had better stop before I hurt myself. Is it normal for a blade to just feel "dull" to a new straight shaver?
A straight will never feel as sharp as a DE. Keep your skin tight, and cut in short, light strokes. Stop if you feel pulling. Hold the razor lightly enough so that it will move in your hand rather than "dig in". If you move the blade sideways you'll cut yourself, yet it's necessary to incorporate a slight sideways movement into your strokes. (Think about how difficult it would be to slice a tomato or a loaf of bread without any sawing motions.) Try laying the blade almost flat on your face for the first pass or two - think of it as trimming the tops off the shrubs before cutting them right at ground level. Practice on your cheeks until you get the hang of it before trying the rest of your face. It might be a good idea to make your first pass with a DE, then your second with a straight for a while until you get the feel of it.
I thought it was technique, not a "dull razor". So, the first pass should be with the blade nearly flat with the cheek, raise the angle on later passes. I started with a 20-30 degree angle of attack on my first pass, that may have been part of the problem then. The "sawing" motion I am just starting to get down with my DE after 3 months. Makes perfect sense it will help a bunch with the straight. Will pulling also be caused by not pulling you skin taught enough? Also, should I switch hands when shaving the other side, or do people usually use one hand to shave their entire face? My non-dominant side felt really awkward, which is why I only shaved one cheek.
Can you tell us who honed your razor? I've never heard this before. Not saying it's right or wrong. Jut that I have never heard of anyone advising that.
Keep with it. You'll get it. I'm a one-hand only str8 shaver and get shaves that I'm quite happy with.
I cannot tell you who honed my razor, unfortunately. In about a week, I will have another razor to compare it to, being sharpened by Larry at Whipped Dog. At least then, I'll be able to tell if this one is honed properly. I can tell you it was purchased from a board member over at the straight razor place, and he said it was shave ready, but did not indicate who had honed it.
The biggest problem new straight razor shavers have is that when they hold the straight razor the wrist tends to bend back creating a shaving angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees which causes pulling and scraping. You really need to keep the razor vertical at 30 degrees or less in most cases. This takes some practice and even experienced shavers will have this problem with the chin sometimes as the wrist bending back is very natural. It is best to just shave from the sideburn to the jaw on one side for a few days to get the feel of the razor cutting. Short little strokes followed by a little longer clean up strokes. Once comfy there, move to the cheek and then the other side and then the neck and save the chin for last. I recommend dividing up the chin area into three sections. Under the lip, the two sides of the chin and then the chin itself. After this, you can start across the grain or against the grain as your tactile ability improves with the razor. I would not recommend taking on the entire face out of the blocks first time out. It is pretty rare that this can be accomplished comfortably. Take your time and be patient. This is a learned art and once you get it down, you will enjoy a lifetime of pleasure. Have fun, Lynn
the good thing about learning a straight razor..in time..they get closer than what a DE will miss..and are known to be 25% closer as well compared to DE/SE..shave on! ST
Yeah, they feel odd at first. It's a new learning curve. Could be technique, could be the razor, too early to tell but I'd have to guess technique. ( I am not criticizing,, I'm learning too) It does take some time to master, or at least do it with some proficiency. As to the advice you've been given it is very good and to the point. Don't expect miracles the first few times out. Something like this does take time. It'll happen if you stick with it. And when it happens, you'll say OMG this is amazing! Experiencing those moments and shaves is what keeps me working at it. I want more and it's happening more and more frequently. Stick with it. It's worth it. They put a DE to shame. And I love all my DE's. But the straights,, well,,,, they're a challenge, an art, a connection . But once learned are simply in another world , you control the blade, the blade controls the shave , a Zen moment, just Kickin'.
Well, I tried again, this time with a blade just sharpened by Larry @ whipped dog. The problem was me, not the razor. I ended up doing a 2 pass (with and against the grain) with the straight on everything but my adams apple. Darn good shave, and 90% as good as my DE leaves, not too bad for a first try. I learned a few lessons though. The straights really let you know when there is an issue either with the skin stretching, angle of the blade, or lather. Holding the blade is also not the most natural feeling. I *Only* nicked myself 4 times, but I guess that is part of the learning process. I also now know how easy it is to nick the earlobes, forgetting how long of a blade you are working with! I wound up with only one nick on my jaw, but nicked my ears 3 times. Boy do ears bleed! It sure was fun though. No razorburn, and only a couple nicks from inexperience. I am going to enjoy these straights, I think!
It takes on average 4-7 months to get the right technique as I feel it did with me...then its all about skin stretching n light angles Patient/perseverance will get you there ST
Nice to see you did the second try! I' m also new in straights but it takes only a few shaves and I'm enjoying! That is a long way to go with the straights but as there only you and the blade, only sky is a top!
