Least Comfortable Shave Ever

[Toucan]

I just had my first straight razor shave. I have a SAS (socially acceptable shave?) on what I did shave, but the razor itself was super unwieldy so it left a lot of patches. As well as a tiny cut on my ear, a rather large and deep gash on my above my chin, and a large but very shallow cut on my cheek. (My face looks battle scarred - lol!)

For 2 weeks before the razor shipped, I hadn't shaved, in anticipation =P

Still; the whole reason I got involved with wetshaving was to learn the straight (safety razors were just a detour that I foolishly took), and I'm going to perfect my technique for sure! Partly because it looks so cool when other people do it, partly because it was super fun when I did it.

I decided not to use the aftershave. The Pinnaud Clubman would have burned.

Anyway, I had a question. My shave was not smooth at all. The blade constantly skipped - my face felt much dryer than when I used a safety razor, even though I got a Whipped Dog "shave ready straight razor". Before I used it, I tried the hanging hair test, and the hair would not sever; even after I put some pressure on the hair. In the end, I slid the hair back and forth on the straight razor three times before the hair snapped. I know the Hanging Hair test isn't 100% accurate, but should that have happened?

Anyway, which of the following could have caused the dry sensation and the very unsmooth, skippy glide across my skin?

-I didn't strop the razor (my razor strop hadn't arrived, I don't want to tear my jeans, and I couldn't find any newspapers)
-I didn't take a shower (I normally do, but I already had taken one last night)
-The razor just wasn't sharp enough

I make it sound bad; but don't worry - I won't stop until I achieve the comfort attained in that one 30 year anniversary video (whose name escapes me - but you know which one I'm talking about).

 

[BlackBear]

I'm no expert on straights, but if you had to 'slide' a hair three times along the blade before it cut....that thing 'aint even sharp, let alone 'shave ready' no wonder you had an ungodly shave.

The best prep is a shower with good hydration of the beard, so that didn't help either, but the razor was the main culprit.

Some say that a thinner/watery/bubbly lather is better for straight shaving.

Having said all that, cuts and nicks while mastering the straight razor are par for the course

 

[Archer808]

You should strop on leather before and after every shave.

 

[Ducati Scotty]

With the HHT you need to have the root end extending away from you. Was it?

It does take a few shaves to get the hang of the razor angle and pressure with a straight. It takes many more to get the hang of handling the blade and getting to all sections of your face. I'd do just your cheeks for now with a N-S stroke. Do the rest of the shave with your usual razor until your cheeks start going smoothly. Then try the straight on more areas. I just finished straight razor May and only really felt comfortable the last week or so.

You can also use the inside of a cereal box to strop. Cut it open and lay it flat on a table, go back and forth.
Scott

 

[Toucan]

I'm no expert on straights, but if you had to 'slide' a hair three times along the blade before it cut....that thing 'aint even sharp, let alone 'shave ready' no wonder you had an ungodly shave.

The best prep is a shower with good hydration of the beard, so that didn't help either, but the razor was the main culprit.

Some say that a thinner/watery/bubbly lather is better for straight shaving.

Having said all that, cuts and nicks while mastering the straight razor are par for the course

That's odd; I got it from Whipped Dog. Could it have somehow gotten dull before I used it?

 

[cooltide]

blade skipping= not proper edge on blade
cut on ear & deep gash on chin = technique
practice & patience
i still have a few scars from when i first started with straights
{perfect practice makes perfect}

 

[Toucan]

I don't believe it's /that/ bad. I got it from Whipped Dog.

 

[Haggises]

This will get more looks and advice in the Straight Razor Clinic section. I'll ask for it to be moved.
Meanwhile, Larry's edges should be good.....

 

[Haggises]

Well it got more looks......

a. you were right about nit stripping befire first use
b. how was your lather? coukd that explain some of the skipping?

 

[Attila]

You shouldn't have to strop right after it was honed by Larry. After a couple of uses maybe 3, it would be a good idea to start. However that is a whole different animal too. I dulled my razor the first couple of times I stropped! Odds are your angle may have been off and you may have been inadvertently pushing down too hard. Good luck and stick with it, it does get better.

 

[Toucan]

Shave quality up 100 times the second time with a straight. Problem must have been that it was so unusual to me at first. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

You mentioned, "For 2 weeks before the razor shipped, I hadn't shaved, in anticipation"
Shaving two weeks growth on your first straight shave attempt is not a good idea!!! You're a better man than I'll ever be!!!

 

[global_dev]

Chimensch

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Chimensch

+1... except the way he does his upper lip give me the willies!!!

 

[Attila]

Yeah, that move has been called the "fools pass", but he is clearly no fool. He sure knows what he is doing. I don't think I would ever try that!!