Thread: help needed...considering giving up!

Ziggy it's funny you should say that...i wish my beard would not grow faster, but all in all my shaves are cut down now because the SR makes it smooth for longer..for sure!

be good gents!
Wulfgar

I just bought a small Wester Bros razor to use on and under my chin because I have fairly sharp features, and the large blades I have seem to have trouble there. I've only got a couple shaves with it so far, so I'll let you know once I'm really comfortable with it, but it seems to help. You might consider something like that. I believe it's a 5/8 width, but the length is about 1/2 inch less than standard.

I wanted to thank every one for taking the time to help me with my little problem. The general consensus seems to be that my blade may be out of shape. Further supporting this idea, last night I shaved with my DE for the first time in months and I have to say that i cant believe how much relative discomfort I have been putting up with from my sub-par Wapi edge. No wonder I have been so frustrated! It is very clear to me now that balde needs some real attention.

I will take the advice and get it professionally rehoned, and then give it another go. Ill keep everyone informed.

Many thanks!

When you get your razor back keep in mind that a DE pretty much sets the angle for you, and if you follow a curve the blade will just follow the handle. With a STR8 "you" have to set the angle, and keep the angle especially when going around a curve. So, watch those angles.

Also, I know there are two rules of thought on this, but even though I'm right-handed I forced myself to use both hands and it really helps. What becomes awkward with my right becomes easier with my left, and I can now easily switch hands as I move from one side of my face to the other. It's not that hard -- just go slowly and be careful you don't pause with the razor against your face. That's where all my cuts come from.

Keep us posted on your progress, and whether a sharp razor makes a difference.

So just out of curiosity, I attempted a hanging hair test using my Wapi. Did not pass at all. I had to wrap my wife's long head hair around my finger and pull that hair very tought between finger and thumb and push the blade pretty hard into the hair before it cut. So i have definatley got the dullest blade in the world. I guess its all starting to make sense now....
Its amazing that I was having as much success on my first pass as I was.

Originally Posted by hippy

So just out of curiosity, I attempted a hanging hair test using my Wapi. Did not pass at all. I had to wrap my wife's long head hair around my finger and pull that hair very tought between finger and thumb and push the blade pretty hard into the hair before it cut. So i have definatley got the dullest blade in the world. I guess its all starting to make sense now....
Its amazing that I was having as much success on my first pass as I was.

The HHT isn't necessarily THE thing to turn to when checking for shave ready. It's finicky, and different ppl get different results. Best test is shaving. From what I hear, thinner hair can be a problem as well.

From personal experience, I can tell you not to place too much emphasis on the HHT. Also consider using the thumb pad test; but, ultimately, the only really meaningful test is the shave test.