Dod's ongoing Straight Razor journey

[dod.e.ratherwell]

Well tonight I can finally say I've done it! It must be about shave 20 with my Joseph Allen and I think it is really turning for the better!

First my stropping went really well. 35 or so fast laps, turning the right way each time. Smooth and efficient.

Made extra effort on a nice thick, moist lather.

In a relaxed, confident manner went about the first pass, felt an awful lot like a great pass, no dragging, hesitation, no awkward grip issues, changing hand issues or anything.

2nd pass the same and even managed to edge nicely around my goatee!

A third pass of just touch up strokes and presto-shave-o! No blood, nicks, burn nothing...alum didn't even sting!

Still not the greatest shave in the world but my blade angle is getting more aggressive and most importantly I am starting each stroke with confidence!

I feel like I really turned a corner in my shaving tonight!

I do have a question though...With my DE shaves I really get close shaves using the J-Stroke. I am almost J-stroke obsessed! Should I try this with a straight or would I really be asking for it?

 

[michiganlover]

Congrats. You're making great progress.

 

[jrowen]

Congratulations on your progress!

<disclaimer>I'm no expert in either DEs or straights</disclaimer>, but I'm not even sure how you could do a j-stroke with a straight. I think the closest thing might be scything motion?

- Jason

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

Congratulations on your progress!

<disclaimer>I'm no expert in either DEs or straights</disclaimer>, but I'm not even sure how you could do a j-stroke with a straight. I think the closest thing might be scything motion?

- Jason

"scything" sounds downright dangerous?

 

[Luc]

Good work!!

 

[jrowen]

"scything" sounds downright dangerous?

The Scything & Slicing stroke

 

[Crouse229]

The Scything & Slicing stroke

I wouldn't recommend that for a newbie, he'll be posting pics of carnage. The slicing motion is downright wicked when it goes wrong.

 

[Pumpkin]

Congratulations!

You definitely sound like you're making good progress. I'm a bit further behind you on the curve but I can already see some improvement.

Still not the greatest shave in the world but my blade angle is getting more aggressive and most importantly I am starting each stroke with confidence!

I feel like I really turned a corner in my shaving tonight!

I think the "confident" stroke definitely helps, there's much less chance of the blade skittering about and causing carnage!

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

Congratulations!
I think the "confident" stroke definitely helps, there's much less chance of the blade skittering about and causing carnage!

Yes this is really important, in motion as the blade touches skin and no hesitation. You hesitate at the moment the blade touches skin and tries to move forward no lather will save you.

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

The Scything & Slicing stroke

Thanks for the link. I had being doing "almost" those strokes in an effort to try and recreate the J-stroke effect and I did cut myself. Nice 1 1/2 Inch surgical cuts on my neck...neither scarred though so I can't have been doing it right!!!! Think I will keep on doing two WTG passes and touch up the best I can until I am way more competent.

 

[drifwood]

I find that I can do some "detail work" more easily if I choke up on the razor . Then my "scythe" is a lot shorter and controllable. But remember not to clamp down on the sharp edge.

I think eventually we figure out a way to "git er done" given the whiskers we have.

I have decided that the "map" of my neck and throat throw both the theory of evolution AND intelligent design into question ...

...until I realise that shaving is a choice and not a biological imperative

Cheers,
Ian

 

[Pumpkin]

...I realise that shaving is not a choice it's a biological imperative...

FTFY

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

I find that I can do some "detail work" more easily if I choke up on the razor

I tried it...and I like it!! (Thank you for the tip!) I also tried using a 4/8ths blade and have a better time with it...easier to maneuver and also just plain easier to see what you are doing!

...until I realize that shaving is a choice and not a biological imperative

I don't know? I can think of a few circumstances where (for the single man of course) it might seem biologically expedient!

 

[drifwood]

I don't know? I can think of a few circumstances where (for the single man of course) it might seem biologically expedient!

Yeah, a clean shave can still give you the edge in some circles. I think it depends on which decade you hit puberty in Young guys now like the stubbly look, or they let their whiskers grow out, even when they're wispy, patchy and uneven. I'm sure they wouldn't do it if the young ladies didn't respond well to it

Ian

 

[mattbikes1]

Awesome! Just had a great shave myself. I never thought I would enjoy shaving so much. Glad to hear that things are going great for you too!