Thread: I feel a little dejected BUT...

...I will keep all in perspective and persevere.

I've been SR shaving now everyday for about 6+ weeks and the edge just isn't cutting it anymore (you must forgive the pun).
Don't misunderstand, it still shaves, but it isn't comfortable and the chin area is getting tougher and tougher so I'm sending it back for my free honing at SRD.
I'm afraid my course beard and, more than likely, lack of stropping technique may have prematurely worn the edge down. I tried CrOx on the webbing part of the strop and barbers hone when I first noticed the drop in performance.

To be fair, I've had some pretty significant "SEEs" (Significant Emotional Events) over the last 6 weeks that probably helped speed this up (I posted them when they occurred, please don't make me relive them).

As a newbie, I guess I'll use the 6 week mark to 'dial-in' the effectiveness of stropping in the future.

It's going to STINK going back to the Fusion-World while I wait to get my razor back.

The biggest lesson learned is I NEED AT LEAST 2 STRAIGHT RAZORS!!

As always, thanks for everything this forum does.

I don't think it is too unusual at the start to dull a razor in that time. I know I did in that or even less. Yea, you do now have a good bench mark to gauge improvements by. A second straight is always a good strategy and even a DE for emergencies too.

Bob

'Sounds like a normal thing w/ developing skills & a tough beard. In extreme cases, some stropping on a hard surface covered w/ newsprint can help. Unlike the normal pasted hanging strop, the hard-backed newsprint won't round-over the bevel. 70 strokes on newsprint and check sharpness. At this point, its gonna be *harsh*, requiring lots of stropping on leather. Glen's suggestion (beginner's tips 3/11) of laying the hanging strop on a flat surface might also help the stropping. The 2nd blade would be really helpful at these times. If you get stuck, pm me to touch up the fading edge. 'Just pick up return ship cost.

+1 on the needing another razor. Whipped dog or classified would be OK. A nice new one would be even better! Go for it! As was said it takes time for shaving technique and stropping to all come together. Its a package.

I have been using a straight razor for about six months. My first honing was less than two months in. Blade angle played a role, but dings to the razor's edge during stropping were the main reason the blade needed honing so soon.

Yup, agreed, sounds normal...two straights, heck, 10 straights or more is always a great idea! A rotation, however small, always allows you to send one out to be honed, and will give you a gauge between razors.

Stropping and some DOVO white / grey paste on the linen side of the strop works well for me, once in awhile go the CroX balsa board, and after my class tomorrow, I should know enough to use my Coticule to refresh my blades on a natural stone!

Don't worry, it's all good and you're right where you should be....

Cheers!

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

I have been using a straight razor for about six months. My first honing was less than two months in. Blade angle played a role, but dings to the razor's edge during stropping were the main reason the blade needed honing so soon.

Well, truth be told, I dinged it too and touched it up on 'a' hone (some dip but not much). After that I cut my strop pretty well. Surprisingly (or maybe not surprisingly), the cut strop had more of an impact on performance than the chip.

Hey, this all comes with the territory...and I haven't made those mistakes again!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Yup, agreed, sounds normal... Don't worry, it's all good and you're right where you should be....

Cheers!

Thanks for commiserating...

Originally Posted by pinklather

'Sounds like a normal thing w/ developing skills & a tough beard.
If you get stuck, pm me to touch up the fading edge. 'Just pick up return ship cost.

That's a very gracious and generous offer. Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by BobH

I don't think it is too unusual at the start to dull a razor in that time. I know I did in that or even less. Bob

You gentlemen certainly know how to take the sting out of the learning curve here.
Thanks again and to all...