You guys were right, about 100 shaves .

[wquiles]

This week I had a business trip and took my travel razor (single edge cartridge razor - Gillette Guard), and although the Guard works great when traveling, I was counting the days until I got back home to use a str8 razor again. Yes, it takes me longer to shave with a str8 than with anything else, but man is it worth it.

As I finished shaving this morning with a str8 razor, I realized that when I was considering trying a str8 razor back in Dec/Jan, I ran across many posts stating that on average, it takes about 100 shaves before a newbie gets down the process of using a str8 razor. Back then I though: man, that sounds like an awful long time!. Well, it has been about 100 shaves, and sure enough, within the last 2 weeks I have noticed that I am getting consistently good shaves every day (DFS, which is my goal). And not just with one razor either - besides my Titanium shorty, I have also gotten great shaves from my original Gold Dollar (first razor I honed by myself), a loaned Double Fish Wedge (about 6/8), a loaned W&B 7/8 Wedge, and of course my Feather RG/KAI blade razor.

So perhaps a long winded post to simply say thanks - I really appreciate the help/advice so far

 

[Kentos]

Congrats! After a while it becomes second nature don't it?

 

[Lmarkow]

Same here. Started about the same time; realizing same improvements (. . . mercifully, in my case).

 

[TheShow]

Just finished shave 2!!!

 

[wquiles]

Congrats! After a while it becomes second nature don't it?

Yes, but I got a very small scar to remind me not too become too complacent.

I think that part of the learning curve is to try and find out various techniques for the "trouble" or difficult areas. Since we are all a little different, "I" have to figure out what works for "me". That is a big part of the 100 or so shaves - experimentation to fine-tune one's technique. I am now experimenting on various ways to do the finishing of the edge, stropping with CBN, trying various grinds (so far I like wedges better than hollow grinds!), etc.. I just got a near-mint Hart Steel 7/8 Square tip that I am looking to try out soon

 

[global_dev]

Isnt that stage called unconscious competence or is too early?

 

[global_dev]

And BTW, now comes HAD.

 

[fsturnz]

I'm on shave 6, and sooo frustrated. Took a break today and did a 3 pass BBS with my DE. 100 shaves, huh? Thats a long ways away. I hope I can stick it out. I haven't cut myself yet (knock on wood), just not feeling the smoothness at all...not in the shaving, and certainly not in my face.

 

[daverojo77]

Good to hear because I need all the encouragement I can get. I have been at it for 3 weeks and it's been, not good. So thanks!

 

[rider4life]

For those having an issue with "smoothness", check your angle. Chances are you're going too steep. Maybe holding your straight at the same angle you were holding your DE/SE/cart. There's nothing here but the blade, nothing bending the blade for a different angle on your face, just you. When I decreased the angle of the straight on my face I found a marked improvement in the quality of my shaves. Good luck all.

Cheers,

M.