Thread: Alive but...very badly burnt.

Welcome.. You are on the right track. Keep trying. I find I get a better shave on about three days growth. It also will let you face heal a little between shaves. Don't try the neck untill you are comfortable with the cheeks. Watch all of the videos on line here. and what all the other guys said.

Don

Originally Posted by Kanahmal

...or is my stropping bad(light pressure, tight strop, and I think the blade is even), or is it all lack of experience?

Stropping is definitely an art that takes some time to master. Even though you have used all the correct stropping components (that you mentioned above) it still takes time, and experience, to get them all to work. My question: when you stropped the razor, was it stropped enough before the shave? Until you can answer that question it will be hard to tell if it was the stropping or the shaving technique. Shaving technique is another "knack" that must be mastered. Keep at it and you will eventually learn this stuff.

That "canned goop" stuff isn't necessarily all bad. I think Barbesol canned shave cream is OK. I've used it several times and think it works just fine. I like the smell too. My issues with canned creams are environment and economy. Whether canned, or from a mug, just, make sure to wet the face and use a sharp razor.


Scott

PS - give your face a chance to recover before trying again.

Use NO more pressure than needed to wipe the lather with blade from your face. ( To feel this pressure, try to wipe the lather from your face with your index finger )

For deeper shaving-Use the best possible beard preparation
- Stretch your skin
- Use more passes from different directions

MORE PRESSURE NO SHAVES DEEPER ( it is a bad habit from disposables)

Thank you all so much, My first shave seemed sharper than the second and now third but not by much so I think the problem is partially with my technique and partially with my stropping. I do flip the blade along the spine but a few times now I've been going too fast and put a couple of nicks in the corner of my strop.

Also I don't know if anyone is familiar with the Illinois 206 but the leather seems to have this hard finish on it(I don't think it draws too well), while I'm sure that's the least of my problems I'm curious if I should be stropping more.

Using the bar soap helped a bit(the canned stuff was on its last leg when I used it, more cream than lather), but when the bar soap dried up it got tough, so hopefully that will all be solved when the shave soap and brush come in(I think I'll rest my face until then).

Thank you guys, I'd have never got this far without you.

For a quick reprieve from the burn, rub in some rubbing alcohol on your face right after your shave. It'll burn like a motherf*cker, but it'll keep that razor burn at bay and not leave you so tender (also speeds up healing time). If it's super bad, go back and do it again 5 minutes later.

For some people here, it took a while to get all around technique to the point where burn wasn't an issue any more (myself included). So don't lose faith if you don't have it down pat after a few shaves

That's a great thing about SRP.... always helpful people around to get us newbs over the hump.

On thing I do like about a Shavette (replaceable blade "straight razor"), is that it is very unforgiving of too much pressure. Using one a few times will make you get the feel for how light the real pressure should be. A straight is much more forgiving in this regard than a shavette; too much pressure with the shavette, and it *hurts*. The blade should touch the skin. Anymore pressure than that is simply not necessary.

let us know how it goes!

I cant see avideo by Xman can you clarify where I can find it?

thanks

The correct angle of the blade is not precise. For me it changes depending on numerous factors especialy prep and sharpness of the blade.

I constantly play with the angle when I shave. I can get the feel of the correct angle judging by the feel on my face, the sound of the cutting, the feel of the blade, and visualy seeing how things are progressing. I have hollows and round spots all over my face just like everybody else. You can't just lock into an angle and expect everything to be perfect. Within one to three weeks you will be manipulating your angle naturally and you will find your shaves feeling better.

When I go ATG I find myself using a much flatter angle.

I put a post up a few months ago now about being new, shaving and restoring these razors. I can tell you this much moat of the things I put there are true. I would encourage you to read it and the comments left by people. I had to have an awakening. I have been doing this a few months now and I love it. My face had to adjust a little but with these blades I can get away witha shave every other day adn I have virtually no bumps or irritation. I personally have used canned cream with my Wade and Butcher and it works fine, but it is an exceptional blade. But, when you get used to using these blades, the enjoyment of shaving, the shave, and the overall romanticism of using these will really make you happy. But, I must tell you one thing. You should probably buy some more razors when you have the funds because if you use a rotation and allow the blades to rest, they work better. Also, read the WIKI on care of the razor especially the stropping and timing of the care of the razors. This will help in maintaining your razor and making the shave more comfortable while you are adjusting.
Keep At it and things will get better and better!
Trey

Kanah,

When you strop it may help to start rotating the razor's edge up near the end of the stroke while maintaining the contact of the spine on the strop. If you stop the stroke while the edge is on the strop, it only takes a bit of a wiggle for the edge to bite into the leather. The edge is delicate and you need to baby it. I'm also of the opinion that while you are refining your shaving technique, your skin is also getting accustomed to being "exfoliated" (attacked) by a very sharp instrument. It removes stubble and also some dead skin cells in the process. Another thing to remember is not to stop the razor's stroke while the edge is in contact with your face. Any little wiggle there can be a slice which likely will result in a cut. Same thing with starting a stroke - have the razor moving. If you want to admire the lack of lather and stubble or plan for the next shaving stroke, try not to do this while the edge is in contact with your face or neck.

Your choice of razors is, again in my opinion, great. The DOVO Special faux tortise 6/8 will always be in my shaving rotation.

good luck, good shaving,