Thread: Beard Tugging!

Sickonblues, I am only a few steps ahead of you ....SR shaving since Feb. And like you, I had problems with tugging at certain spots. I like Lynn's advice as it will strengthen your technique and as importantly, build your confidence. For many reasons that may or may not defy articulation, having razor time is important....even if it only involves an easy pass over your cheeks. With some time under your belt, those tough spots will ultimately melt away (forgive the prose guys!)

Also, I never thought my technique was in question, yet I now get little or no tug when using those same blades that tugged...over the same spots. Time devlopes your technique as much as anything. Keep going.

Other than "technique" the other suggestions I received re the same problem had to do with stropping. I had trouble believing it would make significant difference to a professionally honed blade. But, so many members said otherwise...I took their advice. Glad I did.

Bet you'll soon tell us you've pushed beyond this station in your shaving experience.

Best......Jim

What a difference a day.... or two makes! After reading through all of your posts and trying out the different pieces of advice I must say, today was my best shave yet!!! I am so thrilled I can't hardly express it at the moment! I thank each and every one of you for your posts. It's amazing how many people are out there that are in to straight razor shaving.

Here is what I have learned so far since my last post. Maybe it will help somebody else down the road.

Beard preparation truely is key, especially if you have a heavy beard. I have been showering beforehand and still using a hot towel afterword.

Shaving creams/soaps truely make a huge difference. This was one of my biggest hangups. I have a really cheap bar of soap I have been using and while it was a fine soap for my mach 3 it doesn't give the lather you need for a straight razor.

The most beneficial thing for me that I've learned is onlly to lather half of my face at a time. I found that I was nicking one side of my face much more often than the other side. I thought this was due to not be as comfortable shaving on that side, and while that is partly the case, I also found that my lather was drying up too much before I got there. Until I become quicker at my shaving I will be only lathering half my face at a time.

Finally, if you have a heavy beard like me, it is crucial your first pass is taken with shorter strokes. Otherwise you will have an incredible amount of tugging. The second pass and beyond, you should be able to make longer and longer strokes.


Again, thank you for your kind words and support. I look forward to sharing more of my shaving successes here with this great community and look forward to reading yours!

Isn't it great when shaving can tickle you much!!!! When I was a mountain climber we used to say that the goal was not reaching the summit but enjoying every step of the way. Aint it the truth!

Best all