Today was the first time shaving with a straight razor, and not a shavette. It went great. One problem I am having is with my upper lip and chin. It doesn't matter whether I'm using a straight or a shavette, it's like the whiskers are super tough and the razor grabs. I don't have this problem on cheeks or neck. I'm guessing the problem is with the angle I'm using? Any suggestions?
Practice! Keep at it and you'll get it figured out. Sounds like angle to me if you can get it with a DA and not a str8/shavette. Try to just continue getting the feel before you try and tackle the problem.
Those are the toughest spots to master. Thankfully I don't have to worry about since I've had a circle beard since 2005-2006. I can't remember exactly when I grew it.
Just recently started shaving with a Feather Artist Club (maybe not a true straight) and when I started I remember having those exact same issues. I have experienced the same problems and it usually has a lot to do with the angle of the blade, as previously said. Remember, slow and steady is the name of the game when shaving with a straight razor. Also, if you're ever in a hurry, as a newbie to straights, do yourself a favor and put it away for another day
On my first few straight shaves, I was getting some of the same 'tugging' you experienced on those tougher facial areas. Part of it was due to my angle (too flat), part was due to not having a properly stropped razor, and last I attributed the tugging to my own overly-cautious, too-gentle shave stroke with no skin stretching. Once I got my razor 'shave ready' and adjusted the angle (much steeper) to the curve, I applied a much firmer, confident stroke with the razor. The result? A much smoother, confidence-boosting shave.
I think you are right HolyRollah. Yesterday I touched that razor up on the lapping film and stropped heavily. It made a world of difference in my shave last night. Also I was being too delicate on my chin and lip. When I was taking more assured strokes the razor shaved much better on those areas.
That's great! I completely understand the tentativeness of new straight-shavers (being one myself and experiencing it firsthand), but I was encouraged by a veteran SR shaver (thanks, Bruce/Stroker!) to be more confident and, dare I say, more aggressive with the blade. The advice was spot-on.
There's no rule that you have to use only one razor to shave with. Use the str8 in areas that are comfortable . Use a DE on the others!!
That's exactly what I did johnus. I have a few other straights since I first posted this and have become very comfortable shaving my upper lip, but am still working on technique for my chin.
