All,
I wanted to dedicate a post to a few topics regarding making the jump from DE to straight razor shaving. I was initially intrigued by posts about less irritation and smoother shaves with a straight but so far it’s been significantly more effort and worse quality shaves.
I recently acquired a few straight razors (including one that has been honed by Larry at Whipped Dog), Norton 1K/4K/8k combination from Larry, chinese 12k, Coticule, and a strop. Upon first shave I noticed a few large differences that don’t appear to be normal from commentary on other posts:
1. The straight does not feel nearly as smooth as any DE that I own. I can shave but am left with serious stubble and irritation.
2. I have tried several tests (hanging hair, etc.) and have failed
3. I have researched different honing techniques and spent hours on the hones trying to set a bevel and get the razors “shave ready” but don’t think it’s there.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? So far I’ve read the following posts (and significantly more)
The Key - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/the-key.154799/
Newbie Honing Compendium - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/newbie-honing-compendium.545370/
Razor can't pass hanging hair test on coticules. - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/razor-cant-pass-hanging-hair-test-on-coticules.593158/
Thanks!
I wanted to dedicate a post to a few topics regarding making the jump from DE to straight razor shaving. I was initially intrigued by posts about less irritation and smoother shaves with a straight but so far it’s been significantly more effort and worse quality shaves.
I recently acquired a few straight razors (including one that has been honed by Larry at Whipped Dog), Norton 1K/4K/8k combination from Larry, chinese 12k, Coticule, and a strop. Upon first shave I noticed a few large differences that don’t appear to be normal from commentary on other posts:
1. The straight does not feel nearly as smooth as any DE that I own. I can shave but am left with serious stubble and irritation.
2. I have tried several tests (hanging hair, etc.) and have failed
3. I have researched different honing techniques and spent hours on the hones trying to set a bevel and get the razors “shave ready” but don’t think it’s there.
Can anyone point me in the right direction? So far I’ve read the following posts (and significantly more)
The Key - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/the-key.154799/
Newbie Honing Compendium - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/newbie-honing-compendium.545370/
Razor can't pass hanging hair test on coticules. - https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/razor-cant-pass-hanging-hair-test-on-coticules.593158/
Thanks!