My First Straight Shave...HELP!!!

[Jcof3474]

Well tonight I embarked on my journey of straight razor shaving! I was a little nervous going into it, but that quickly faded once I actually picked up the blade and put it to my face. The rest was kind of downhill from there...
So here was my prep and setup:
(My razor is a brand new Boker King Cutter 5/8 from SRD, which was said to be shave ready so I did not strop it.)
Showered first. Soaked my brush in hot water. Applied olive oil to my face. Lathered up my Provence Sante Green Tea Shaving Soap into a great dense lather. Lathered up my right side of my face only since I knew it would be slow going. Then picked up the razor and attempted to shave.
It seriously felt like I was pulling the hairs out of my face instead of shaving them off! I tried to keep a shallow angle and went WTG and that tugged and pulled so I made some slight adjustments to the angle, however it really didn't help much. I did 2 full passes to each side of my face, and after this my face looked like I really hadn't shaved all that much. I have very sensitive skin so at this point I just picked up the DE and finished off the shave so that I wouldn't end up with too red of a face and possibly ingrowns.

I expected the straight to really slice right through the hairs, but it felt like it was not really cutting so much as pulling the hairs out. On a brighter note I didn't cut myself at all, I just didn't cut much hair either. So I am a little bummed right now, but I am sure I just have horrible technique and that is the problem. Is my angle just way off??? I don't really have a thick dense beard, but the hairs themselves are very course, and it really felt like the blade was just not sharp enough to slice through the hairs.

Sorry for the long post but I need help!

Thanks,
J.

 

[JPM]

I can't give you advice because I'm only a few shaves in, but hang in there. My second shave went kind of like that and I ended up with a pretty torn up face. Had to skip a day of shaving and went back to the DE for a day to let things calm down. But I'm ready to go at it again.

I'm sure you'll get some good advice and with some practice, we'll both be doing much better.

 

[Luc]

My pick is on the angle.

Try to keep the blade as flat as possible when you shave. Don't worry about not shaving much. I had the exact same thing at the beginning. I was wondering why I didn't stop and go back to the DE... With time, you will have a better technique and it will get better.

have a look at those videos if you didn't and Joel tutorial!

http://www.youtube.com/jockeys41

 

[Jcof3474]

I can't give you advice because I'm only a few shaves in, but hang in there. My second shave went kind of like that and I ended up with a pretty torn up face. Had to skip a day of shaving and went back to the DE for a day to let things calm down. But I'm ready to go at it again.

I'm sure you'll get some good advice and with some practice, we'll both be doing much better.

Thankfully I didn't tear up my face, just some good razor burn. But, I'll still be taking a few days off from the straight.

Good luck on your shaves!

Thanks,
J.

 

[Jcof3474]

My pick is on the angle.

Try to keep the blade as flat as possible when you shave. Don't worry about not shaving much. I had the exact same thing at the beginning. I was wondering why I didn't stop and go back to the DE... With time, you will have a better technique and it will get better.

have a look at those videos if you didn't and Joel tutorial!

http://www.youtube.com/jockeys41

Yeah I figured it all had to do with the angle. I know I still have a lot to learn on the technique front, but I am not going to give up...just going to take it slow and try again in a few days . I am definately going to have to watch some more videos!

Thanks,
J.

 

[Luc]

Yeah I figured it all had to do with the angle. I know I still have a lot to learn on the technique front, but I am not going to give up...just going to take it slow and try again in a few days . I am definately going to have to watch some more videos!

Thanks,
J.

No worries. Take it slow and it will be all right. The first few shaves are not great when you're starting... Please post your progress!

 

[minstrel]

My 2 cents: What is considered "shave ready" varies from person to person, and the way they test this also varies. The few straight razors I have sold which I have deemed to be "shave ready" have all been used by me for shaving to verify this first hand. Others may just do the "hanging hair test" or thumbpad test or whatever. In the latter tests, it is quite possible that the razor isn't quite shaving sharp, even when it passes the test. Maybe sending the blade to a honemeister for a touch-up will be enough to make it a smooth shaving experience for you?

/Nicholas

 

[Bertilak]

My 2 cents: What is considered "shave ready" varies from person to person, and the way they test this also varies. The few straight razors I have sold which I have deemed to be "shave ready" have all been used by me for shaving to verify this first hand. Others may just do the "hanging hair test" or thumbpad test or whatever. In the latter tests, it is quite possible that the razor isn't quite shaving sharp, even when it passes the test. Maybe sending the blade to a honemeister for a touch-up will be enough to make it a smooth shaving experience for you?

/Nicholas

His blade was honed by one of the best so unless there was some mistake the problem probably is not a bum razor honing job.

I know my first shaves (more than just a few!) were terrible. I even bought another razor to be sure. And sure enough after a while I was getting good shaves from that first razor.

Jcof3474: See http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Category:Shaving. Actually, the most instructive part of that is at http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Shaving_passes.

 

[Disburden]

Sounds like your angle with a still heavy hand is to blame since you didn't strop the razor. Usually stropping by a new Straight user will result in a ruined edge also though, so beware when you do actually strop. If you haven't stropped multiple shaves in with the same razor then the shaves will probably get worse also.

A lot of new guys think the straight is going to slice through like butter and all your hair is going to peel right off. That's not the case at all, in fact it takes months and maybe even a year to get an idea of what you need to do to get a good shave. Variables such as angle alone are things that take months and months to be enlightened on and make room for improvements. You can always talk to a master on Straightrazorplace.com on the phone and ask questions, most of those guys are willing to even take to you and explain shaving and honing, stropping, etc.

 

[mainaman]

keep your angle to 30 or less degrees.
Stretch well.
Be patient, usually the first few shaves are not very pleasant, your skin needs to get used to the razor. Please make sure you apply very light pressure when shaving.

 

[cooltide]

it will take a few shaves to get the angle right & the best places to stretch,
& the best advice to give no pressure, let the blade do the work
it will all come in time

 

[Jcof3474]

My 2 cents: What is considered "shave ready" varies from person to person, and the way they test this also varies. The few straight razors I have sold which I have deemed to be "shave ready" have all been used by me for shaving to verify this first hand. Others may just do the "hanging hair test" or thumbpad test or whatever. In the latter tests, it is quite possible that the razor isn't quite shaving sharp, even when it passes the test. Maybe sending the blade to a honemeister for a touch-up will be enough to make it a smooth shaving experience for you?

/Nicholas

I was hoping that since it came from SRD that it was ready to go, and I am sure it is. My lack of good technique has to be the issue.

His blade was honed by one of the best so unless there was some mistake the problem probably is not a bum razor honing job.

I know my first shaves (more than just a few!) were terrible. I even bought another razor to be sure. And sure enough after a while I was getting good shaves from that first razor.

Jcof3474: See http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Category:Shaving. Actually, the most instructive part of that is at http://straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Shaving_passes.

Thanks for the links, I will check those out. I need all the help I can get!

Sounds like your angle with a still heavy hand is to blame since you didn't strop the razor. Usually stropping by a new Straight user will result in a ruined edge also though, so beware when you do actually strop. If you haven't stropped multiple shaves in with the same razor then the shaves will probably get worse also.

A lot of new guys think the straight is going to slice through like butter and all your hair is going to peel right off. That's not the case at all, in fact it takes months and maybe even a year to get an idea of what you need to do to get a good shave. Variables such as angle alone are things that take months and months to be enlightened on and make room for improvements. You can always talk to a master on Straightrazorplace.com on the phone and ask questions, most of those guys are willing to even take to you and explain shaving and honing, stropping, etc.

I really was expecting the straight to be like slicing through butter, so it is good to know that what I am experiencing is normal!

keep your angle to 30 or less degrees.
Stretch well.
Be patient, usually the first few shaves are not very pleasant, your skin needs to get used to the razor. Please make sure you apply very light pressure when shaving.

I didn't stretch my skin a lot at all, but I don't when I use a DE because I can get a really close shave with a 2 pass shave with a feather and no stretching (just using really odd facial expressions). So, maybe I need to start using my hands to stretch my face a little.

it will take a few shaves to get the angle right & the best places to stretch,
& the best advice to give no pressure, let the blade do the work
it will all come in time

Thanks everyone for all of the tips! I'll be trying again in a couple of days for sure because I want to learn to do this well. I will not give up!

J.

 

[chickpea]

Take heart my first straight shave went much, much worse.

But they quickly got better. I'm only four shaves in, but the dramatically improve each time (I still can't get anywhere near BBS with three passes).

There is just a big time investment in getting the technique down. From someone who got BBS shaves after five shaves using a DE, believe me, I know exactly how you feel.

Only, my experience has been a lot bloodier!!!!

 

[Jcof3474]

Take heart my first straight shave went much, much worse.

But they quickly got better. I'm only four shaves in, but the dramatically improve each time (I still can't get anywhere near BBS with three passes).

There is just a big time investment in getting the technique down. From someone who got BBS shaves after five shaves using a DE, believe me, I know exactly how you feel.

Only, my experience has been a lot bloodier!!!!

Haha, sorry to hear about the bloodshed. I was very glad that I didn't end up bloody for sure! I think I really underestimated how much skill this takes, but that just makes me want to learn that much more.

Good luck to us both!

J.

 

[Bacchus]

Sounds like a good stropping will really help out, but mind you, you can ruin the edge. Just be careful and dont do anything stupid, it's pretty easy to avoid rolling an edge.

Stretch your skin, as tight as you can get it. Use both hands for shaving, one for the razor, one for the skin. I find an alum block works wonders to stop you fingers from slipping, just a quick wipe on the fingers and away you go

 

[r0ckrat]

Jcof, the first few shaves really do feel weird. t's a combination of how much you stretch the skin, the angle, and your grip on the razor.

1) Try to keep the skin stretched and taught. This takes a little practice to actually get used to and feel the difference.
2) The angle you want to try to maintain is keeping the blade one blade thickness of the spine off the face. Really very very close to the face.
3) It requires a much firmer grip on the razor than DE shaving, Not more force or pressure, but just the grip itself. You must be stabilizing the razor against the sideways pressure like an ax, rather than pulling the razor like a plow.

Finally, you can check whether you are removing hair by wiping your finger through the lather on the blade and checking for whisker remnants. If you really aren't cutting anything, there won't be any in the lather.

Good luck, and take your time!

 

[Disburden]

Just another tip, when you're shaving with a straight you need to realy grab your skin and PULL it flat and tight. I am being serious here, if you don't stretch like that you can catch your skin on the edge of the razor.

I have a half inch scar that's DEEP next to my mouth because I was trying to touch up without stretching my skin well....
I learned my lesson well.

 

[leighton]

Pulling is either caused by a dull razor or too high of an angle.

I have not encountered a freakishly dull razor from SRD, so I doubt the severe pulling is due to that. Probably due to too high of an angle. Too high an angle and the razor will just want to pull the hairs out of your face.

Give it another try with a lower angle. If you still can't get it, I'll be glad to take a look at the razor for you and fix it if anything's wrong, or put a different edge on it. All for gratis.

 

[Jcof3474]

Sounds like a good stropping will really help out, but mind you, you can ruin the edge. Just be careful and dont do anything stupid, it's pretty easy to avoid rolling an edge.

Stretch your skin, as tight as you can get it. Use both hands for shaving, one for the razor, one for the skin. I find an alum block works wonders to stop you fingers from slipping, just a quick wipe on the fingers and away you go

I will definately have to stretch my skin this next time to see how that goes.
And I did a little stropping this morning, just nice and slow to get the hang of it. I'll strop a little more when I try my next shave.

Jcof, the first few shaves really do feel weird. t's a combination of how much you stretch the skin, the angle, and your grip on the razor.

1) Try to keep the skin stretched and taught. This takes a little practice to actually get used to and feel the difference.
2) The angle you want to try to maintain is keeping the blade one blade thickness of the spine off the face. Really very very close to the face.
3) It requires a much firmer grip on the razor than DE shaving, Not more force or pressure, but just the grip itself. You must be stabilizing the razor against the sideways pressure like an ax, rather than pulling the razor like a plow.

Finally, you can check whether you are removing hair by wiping your finger through the lather on the blade and checking for whisker remnants. If you really aren't cutting anything, there won't be any in the lather.

Good luck, and take your time!

Thanks for the info in tip #2! I really was wondering how far off the skin the spine should be; of course I've read 30 degree angle, however the the 1 spine width will be a great help. I'll also work on the grip too.

Just another tip, when you're shaving with a straight you need to realy grab your skin and PULL it flat and tight. I am being serious here, if you don't stretch like that you can catch your skin on the edge of the razor.

I have a half inch scar that's DEEP next to my mouth because I was trying to touch up without stretching my skin well....
I learned my lesson well.

Oh wow! I am getting the sense that stretching the skin is a little important.


Thanks guys! I really appreciate everything you've told me.

J.

 

[Jcof3474]

Pulling is either caused by a dull razor or too high of an angle.

I have not encountered a freakishly dull razor from SRD, so I doubt the severe pulling is due to that. Probably due to too high of an angle. Too high an angle and the razor will just want to pull the hairs out of your face.

Give it another try with a lower angle. If you still can't get it, I'll be glad to take a look at the razor for you and fix it if anything's wrong, or put a different edge on it. All for gratis.

Leighton I really appreciate that! Since my face isn't still hurting today and looks okay, I may try the straight again tomorrow night. Depending on the results I may take you up on this offer

Thanks again,

J.