Thread: Razor pulling on 2nd shave

Hey guys,

Been having a tough go at straights from the start. I've had mostly uncomfortable shaves (no nicks or cuts just not smooth). I just purchased a new Boker King Cutter. The first shave was surprisingly smooth, and thought to myself, finally, this is how a straight is supposed to feel. Than the 2nd shave... not so smooth, and the 3rd was really uncomfortable, pulling, tugging. I don't really want to send it out for honing already. I was planning on purchasing a 12k stone, I figure I can try to refresh it a bit on the 12k followed by CrOx on balsa. If that failed than I would send it out for honing by a professional. I also just purchased a Ralf Aust from SRD, I figured I can shave with that first to make sure it isn't my technique. I've focused on pressure and angle to no avail (besides the first shave). I guess maybe my stropping technique is to blame? Maybe too much pressure or I'm holding it too taught. I always shave with 2-3 days growth, my lather is on point I would say, I have zero issues with a DE. I user a wetter lather as people have suggested.

I was also gifted a coticule but maybe I should try my hand at a 12k first before I get into coticules? My honing experience is limited (I've only sharpened kitchen knives with stones). I know most say it's hard to learn to shave and hone at the same time. I just figure I might as well try, and if I fail, I can send it out. All advice appreciated.

It sounds as if you have a good understanding of the basics and the pitfalls as well. Improper stropping is a prime canidate as well as using incorrect angles and pressure while shaving. We have many members hailing from Ontario,but its a big place, where abouts in Ontario are you located? http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order= Hopefully one will chime in. The fastest way to a good shave and a comfortable edge is to find a local mentor who can shorten the learning curve. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Funny you mentioned the King Cutter. I shaved with mine today and the first pass was odd. So I took it to my CroOx strop, lapped it seven times, leather stropped it sixty times, and it solved the problem. The second pass was superb.

Take your time with stropping. I use a steady but soft hand on my stropping. Everybody has different approaches to stropping, so I'm not going to tell you which one is right or wrong. My style suits me, so all I can suggest is to find yours once you understand the basics, which it seems you already do.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by oMniPotent

Hey guys,

Been having a tough go at straights from the start. I've had mostly uncomfortable shaves (no nicks or cuts just not smooth). I just purchased a new Boker King Cutter. The first shave was surprisingly smooth, and thought to myself, finally, this is how a straight is supposed to feel. Than the 2nd shave... not so smooth, and the 3rd was really uncomfortable, pulling, tugging. I don't really want to send it out for honing already. I was planning on purchasing a 12k stone, I figure I can try to refresh it a bit on the 12k followed by CrOx on balsa. If that failed than I would send it out for honing by a professional. I also just purchased a Ralf Aust from SRD, I figured I can shave with that first to make sure it isn't my technique. I've focused on pressure and angle to no avail (besides the first shave). I guess maybe my stropping technique is to blame? Maybe too much pressure or I'm holding it too taught. I always shave with 2-3 days growth, my lather is on point I would say, I have zero issues with a DE. I user a wetter lather as people have suggested.

I was also gifted a coticule but maybe I should try my hand at a 12k first before I get into coticules? My honing experience is limited (I've only sharpened kitchen knives with stones). I know most say it's hard to learn to shave and hone at the same time. I just figure I might as well try, and if I fail, I can send it out. All advice appreciated.

First and Foremost/Please leave those hones alone! While mistakes on stropping can usually be easily corrected, a mistake on a hone by an inexperienced hand can do a lot of damage!!!

Try this link for local help:

Local Help - Straight Razor Place Library

Originally Posted by Wirm

It sounds as if you have a good understanding of the basics and the pitfalls as well. Improper stropping is a prime canidate as well as using incorrect angles and pressure while shaving. We have many members hailing from Ontario,but its a big place, where abouts in Ontario are you located? http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order= Hopefully one will chime in. The fastest way to a good shave and a comfortable edge is to find a local mentor who can shorten the learning curve. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

I live in Mississauga.

Just a thought , the blade could have a weak edge from over honing.
I've had blades that were great until half way through the shave or on the following shave when the edge fell apart.
Send it out for pro honing is your best bet then look at refreshing..

FWIW (I'm out of practice) --

If you want to get into honing, start with an inexpensive, old razor -- not a new Boker.

Stropping technique:

. . . Is your stropping OK with some other razor that you own?

. . . How many full (round-trip) strokes are you using ?

. . . Are you reducing pressure for the last 20 or so strokes ?

. . . Does the Boker pass any of the hanging-hair tests after stropping?

. . . . . For example, if you pass it 1/4" above the skin of your arm, does it chop off arm hairs?

I've watched a straight razor as I stropped it with an X-stroke -- you can see the edge bend where it comes off the strop. You don't need much pressure on the blade, to clean up the edge.

I have some blades that take 100 strokes to get back to 'sharp'.

Honing:

Use the _least aggressive_ hone you have, to start. A CrOx strop is often enough -- 5 or 10 strokes, extremely light pressure. If that helps, do some more strokes.

If the edge needs just a little bit of work, don't run it over a stone just for the heck of it. Especially if you're not experienced. A razor feels completely different from a knife on the stone, and "feel" is crucial for good honing.

. Charles

If you are just starting out it's most likely a stropping issue. Sounds like ineffective stropping. There is a chance that there is a honing issue, but everything is pointing toward stropping. It's possible that a good stropping will put the edge right back where it should be. I would recommend trying to find a local SRP member that can help you get it sorted.

Originally Posted by BeJay

If you are just starting out it's most likely a stropping issue. Sounds like ineffective stropping. There is a chance that there is a honing issue, but everything is pointing toward stropping. It's possible that a good stropping will put the edge right back where it should be. I would recommend trying to find a local SRP member that can help you get it sorted.

I agree. How many down and backs do you recommend? I have tried 40 but maybe I need to do more.
Thanks.



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Originally Posted by Mikewood

I agree. How many down and backs do you recommend? I have tried 40 but maybe I need to do more.
Thanks.

When I was learning I started off with 50 laps. I tried 100 one day and realized that it made a big difference in the way the blade shaved. Over time my stropping has become more efficient and I now do 60 laps on leather. There's not really a number of laps that is correct for everyone. Experiment and figure out what works for you. If you're unsure, err on the side of more laps.