A couple of final questions

[dpmtherrien]

I've been DE shaving for almost a full year, and after many adjustments in technique, now get a very nice shave. I feel I'm now ready to venture into straights.

I've ordered my first straight, and expect it to arrive sometime next week. In the mean time I'm reading reviews on razors, technique, ways of shaving, etc. I'm also watching any video's on straight razor shaving I can find, here on B&B, straight razor place, wherever. I notice a few differences in technique, shave style, holding the razor, and so on. I have a few questions I hope a few of our expert members might answer. Please bear with me as I've never attempted a straight shave before, have been asking questions for the past several months, and finally I'm going to do it. If you will gentlemen, I'll number the questions.

#1 I see quite a few different ways straights are held. Is it a matter of preference, what works best for you? Or is there a quote "correct way" to hold the straight?

#2 Much mention is made of very light pressure. With the DE razor I usually just let the weight of the razor be the pressure needed. A straight is much lighter so is the weight of the straight enough pressure? Or should I use a bit more pressure?

#3 I see in most of the video's that short strokes are used, but the shaver goes over the same area more than once, and sometimes 3, 4, or more times. Is this correct? Won't that cause razor burn like a DE probably will?

I'm really looking forward to that first straight shave, and I think answers to these last few questions will have me really ready to go. All and any help will be much appreciated. Oh, one final question, I'm sure that using a straight is not rocket science, but do you think I'm over stressing about it?

Regards,

Paul

 

[OldSchoolYoungin]

I've been DE shaving for almost a full year, and after many adjustments in technique, now get a very nice shave. I feel I'm now ready to venture into straights.

I've ordered my first straight, and expect it to arrive sometime next week. In the mean time I'm reading reviews on razors, technique, ways of shaving, etc. I'm also watching any video's on straight razor shaving I can find, here on B&B, straight razor place, wherever. I notice a few differences in technique, shave style, holding the razor, and so on. I have a few questions I hope a few of our expert members might answer. Please bear with me as I've never attempted a straight shave before, have been asking questions for the past several months, and finally I'm going to do it. If you will gentlemen, I'll number the questions.

#1 I see quite a few different ways straights are held. Is it a matter of preference, what works best for you? Or is there a quote "correct way" to hold the straight?

Here's a pictorial on different ways to hold a straight: http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Different_ways_to_hold_a_straight_razor

That should cover it pretty thoroughly.

#2 Much mention is made of very light pressure. With the DE razor I usually just let the weight of the razor be the pressure needed. A straight is much lighter so is the weight of the straight enough pressure? Or should I use a bit more pressure?

Since you're just beginning, concentrate on using as little pressure as possible. You will need to use SOME pressure, but you should keep a very light touch at all times. Adjust as you go along to find your "sweet spot", but a sharp razor shouldn't need much coaxing. Using too much pressure will give you some serious razor burn.

#3 I see in most of the video's that short strokes are used, but the shaver goes over the same area more than once, and sometimes 3, 4, or more times. Is this correct? Won't that cause razor burn like a DE probably will?

Again, for a beginner, I recommend NOT going over the same area more than once without relathering until you've got your technique and angle down pat. This is a good way for a new guy to cut themselves and/or cause razor burn. Trust me, you DO NOT want razor burn from a straight razor. Over time, you'll learn what works best for you.

I'm really looking forward to that first straight shave, and I think answers to these last few questions will have me really ready to go. All and any help will be much appreciated. Oh, one final question, I'm sure that using a straight is not rocket science, but do you think I'm over stressing about it?

Overstressing? Maybe a little? Too inquisitive? No such thing.

Regards,

Paul

Welcome to the fold

 

[Hayduke]

You alread got great answers, but I'll toss my $0.02 in

#1 As you can see in the pictures posted above, there are many ways to hold a razor. I had the same question when I started except it was more aimed towards which hand to use. Turns out there really is no right way to hold the razor. The important thing is that you don't drop it or cut yourself

#2 The phrase I keep in mind is, "just tight enough". You only want to hold the razor just tight enough that you don't drop it, but not so tight that it won't stop when it hits resistance (ie your skin). No, the weight of the blade will not be heavy enough. I know it's always said to let the weight of the razor do the work with a DE, and that's sound advice, but it's not realistic even with a DE. Letting the weight of the razor do the work is fine for a downward stroke. What about the upward XTG strokes? You obviously had to learn to adjust the pressure for that, so you will learn to adjust it with a straight (fyi, this has been the hardest part for me to learn)

#3 I tend to do 2-4 short strokes as well. Of course, I often would do second passes with a DE. As a general rule, it's best not to run a blade across your face without lather. It's been my experience that a first pass, DE or str8, removes most of the lather, but there remains a thin film on the skin that provides enough lubrication for me for those short "extra" passes. YMMV

#4 It's not rocket science. You could try to analyze it that deeply, but that might take away the fun I think the distinction with straights, and to some extent safety razors, is they both require some learning. Using canned goo and a cartridge razor, a new shaver can "learn" how to shave by reading the labels. With a straight, there is a much longer learning curve. When I talk to other men about straight shaving they laugh at the thought of having to learn or practice anything. Shaving isn't a skill, it's just something you do, right?

Long live the "art" of straight shaving

 

[leighton]

#1 I see quite a few different ways straights are held. Is it a matter of preference, what works best for you? Or is there a quote "correct way" to hold the straight?

#2 Much mention is made of very light pressure. With the DE razor I usually just let the weight of the razor be the pressure needed. A straight is much lighter so is the weight of the straight enough pressure? Or should I use a bit more pressure?

#3 I see in most of the video's that short strokes are used, but the shaver goes over the same area more than once, and sometimes 3, 4, or more times. Is this correct? Won't that cause razor burn like a DE probably will?

1. Correct. Eventually, you figure out which grip works best for which razor.

2. What I do ATG is put the spine to the skin and add enough pressure on the edge side so the edge does not rise from the skin. Maybe even a little more than that.

The pressure needed with a straight and with a DE are about the same. If that helps you understand it a little better.

3. It may appear the shaver is going over the same area, but he's probably just doing overlapping strokes. Its like sweeping the floor. Do a stroke that is too long and you miss some dirt. Do short strokes that overlap each other just a little and you get all of the crap on the floor.

But your right, don't overdo it. That will hurt.

Check out the links in my sig for more information.

 

[Bertilak]

Great answers so far.

I'd like to elaborate on pressure. It can mean two things: pressure against the whiskers (call this "A") and pressure against the skin (call this "B").

There must be some sideways pressure against the whiskers ("A") or the blade will just sit there and not cut anything. The should be NO pressure against or towards the skin ("B") beyond what is needed to maintain contact.

Much can be summarized with the words "light touch".

HINT1: I wouldn't think about the weight of the razor. After all, not all razors weigh the same and not all shaving strokes even have a "gravity assist". Maintain awareness and positive control of the pressures you are applying.

HINT2: Look into the slicing motion. It is much more effective to slice the whiskers than to chop or mow them down. When done properly this reduces the pressure needed to cut the whiskers. You do need to master other techniques first: skin stretching, optimal blade angle, grain awareness, good slick lather, no "B" style pressure.

HINT3: Safety razors are somewhat forgiving of too much "B" style pressure -- that's part of why they are called safety razors. Straights have no forgiveness at all.

 

[Luc]

I think you got everything... Stretch the skin and take it slow. Do not expect a great shave on the first few shaves.

Good luck!

 

[dpmtherrien]

With the holiday here I find that I've been quite busy the last couple of days. Today, Christmas, my wife and daughter have gone to a movie. So I'm left here to get dinner ready this evening. Also a chance to check this site for answers to my last question.

Thanks to all who took the time to help me along. I believe about all my questions are answered, and I'm ready to go. Thanks again.

Our post office closed at noon on the 24th, I checked our mail after they had closed and I see a ticket for a package. Looks like my straight may have arrived. I'll find out tomorrow, and if it is I'll be using it soon. I can't wait, I'm like a kid at Christmas. I'll let you know how the first shave goes.

All the best to all in this wonderful time of year. Hope your Christmas was all you hoped for.

Regards,

Paul