Terrible first shave, help!

[alimac23]

Hey guys,

so my whippeddog straight razor arrived today, I've just had my first shave and it was awful, now I'm sure it's my technique but whatever angle I held the blade at I couldn't get anywhere near a nice glide feeling, instead it pulled and tugged and has given me the worst case of razor burn I've ever had, do you think this is all down to technique or could the blade need stropping already?

any hints and tips would be gratefully received

 

[gsurko]

Wetter lather and NO ​pressure. It takes time, go slow, baby steps.

 

[alimac23]

Thanks gsurko ill give that a shot, is that quite a newbie complaint about the tugging sensation?

Thinking about it, I was applying pressure, I should have known better from the lessons learnt with a DE

 

[Lmarkow]

Wetter lather, zero pressure, very close angle to your face, and PATIENCE. Start with just your cheeks, WTG. Do that for a week, finishing up with your DE or usual razor. Build some confidence and move on. And remember PATIENCE.

Did I mention, PATIENCE? good luck

 

[oakeshott]

Your angle is wrong. I also started with a WD and Larry puts a great edge on his razors. The spine of the razor should be about 1 or 2 spine's width away from your face. Then, as Larry says above, don't push yourself. Spend the first week or two doing only wtg passes before moving on to anything else. I promise you, if you can shave effortlessly with a DE, then you can do this. Absolutely, positively can do this.

It took me a couple of months before I started getting anything approaching BBS shaves with my straights, so be patient. Once you start getting the shaves you deserve, however, you may never go back.

 

[alimac23]

Your angle is wrong. I also started with a WD and Larry puts a great edge on his razors. The spine of the razor should be about 1 or 2 spine's width away from your face. Then, as Larry says above, don't push yourself. Spend the first week or two doing only wtg passes before moving on to anything else. I promise you, if you can shave effortlessly with a DE, then you can do this. Absolutely, positively can do this.

It took me a couple of months before I started getting anything approaching BBS shaves with my straights, so be patient. Once you start getting the shaves you deserve, however, you may never go back.

Thanks I really appreciate that a lot, I was trying for a 30 degree angle and it was awful, ill try shaving my cheeks again tomorrow before finishing up with my DE, I get BBS shaves every day from a DE so I will persevere and get this straight razor shaving down, I suppose I was trying to run before I could walk!

 

[kirisute]

I was told never aim for the 30 degree angle! It's a mythical goal that hinders your technique and leads to cuts and rough shaves!
Instead start with the blade flat against your face, then as you start your stroke adjust angle as you go; you will feel the blade start to cut; with time and practice you'll adjust blade angle on the fly and know with muscle memory what angles works where. But to start, keep each stroke starting flat and angle it as you go til you feel it start to cut.
30 degrees might work you eventually it might not; if you want a harsher cut in some areas then a steeper angle is required; if your being careful over a spot or mole or like me ,psoriasis, then a shallower angle will lower the chances of a cut etc

 

[dpetrzelka]

No pressure is key, patience is a close second.
Start with the blade flat on your face, and slowly raise the angle while making a pass until you feel it slicing hairs - its much more about feel than fixed angles.
Larry usually puts a wicked edge on 'em, and any pressure or steep angle will give you trouble. It wasn't long ago that I had my first shave with a Whipped Dog straight, we've all been right where you are. Don't lets this first pass discourage you.

This is an incredible group here on B&B - everyone will be more than happy to help you on your journey.