Thread: Still Confused

I am still confused on what I may be doing wrong. First of all, I have been a DE shaver for the past 6-7 years and received very fine shaves each day. About 6 months ago, I purchased my first SR from SRD and tried my hand at this new method. The first shave did not produce much, but I limited the shaving to just the sideburns and cheek. There was pulling of the wiskers. I tried to alter my angle and stretch the skin, but that did not help much. The next few days I stropped the razor gently and repeated the same. Still, the shave did little and started to hurt.

I sent the razor back to SRD for my free honing and tried to shave with it, but the results were the same. Thinking my technique could possibly be at fault, I purchased the Shavette. My first shave with it was fantastic. My second shave with it was also great.

My question is why am I having trouble shaving with a professionally hones Dovo Black Star razor and have no trouble at all with a cheap Shavette? Does the fact the Dovo have a carbon steel blade and the Shavette a stainless steel blade?

My beard preparation is good as I have been shaving successfully with a DE for years.

Please help. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by vikingfan

My question is why am I having trouble shaving with a professionally hones Dovo Black Star razor and have no trouble at all with a cheap Shavette?

Because you're just learning to use the tool. Keep practicing - it takes time to get a handle on all the variables. The shavette is very different from a true straight razor

Originally Posted by vikingfan

Does the fact the Dovo have a carbon steel blade and the Shavette a stainless steel blade?

no

Since I've never used a shavette, my input falls into the category of guesswork as opposed to educated opinion. However, despite the fact that the razor itself seems to be the only independent variable, I would bet there is something different about your technique when you switch from one to the other. Having used a DE for so long, you're undoubtedly more comfortable with a disposable blade than the fine precision tool we call a straight razor. Are you applying the same pressure (should be very light) with both razors? Do you find the longer straight blade more cumbersome than the relatively small blade in the shavette? Do you find you are more anxious holding the Dovo? Small things like these can subtley influency your habits without you realising it. I'm also wondering about your stropping. Did you strop the razor before your first shave? If so, that is probably the culprit.

str8's n shavettes are far n between each other..a str8 razor is a thicker piece of steel..a shavette is a long version of an SE/DE...still needing 2 be replaced..alot of mentors here say it takes a year or so b4 you get the technique down..im halfway there ;-)

pcdad

Just guessing off of your username "vikingfan"... Are you located in Minnesota?
There are several members that you might be able to meet with that could offer some help.

It is true. 15 years later and I am still learning.

Originally Posted by pcdad

str8's n shavettes are far n between each other..a str8 razor is a thicker piece of steel..a shavette is a long version of an SE/DE...still needing 2 be replaced..alot of mentors here say it takes a year or so b4 you get the technique down..im halfway there ;-)

pcdad

I wonder, did you strop the straight before you used it?

Originally Posted by leadduck

Since I've never used a shavette, my input falls into the category of guesswork as opposed to educated opinion. However, despite the fact that the razor itself seems to be the only independent variable, I would bet there is something different about your technique when you switch from one to the other. Having used a DE for so long, you're undoubtedly more comfortable with a disposable blade than the fine precision tool we call a straight razor. Are you applying the same pressure (should be very light) with both razors? Do you find the longer straight blade more cumbersome than the relatively small blade in the shavette? Do you find you are more anxious holding the Dovo? Small things like these can subtley influency your habits without you realising it. I'm also wondering about your stropping. Did you strop the razor before your first shave? If so, that is probably the culprit.

I use the long blade set-up with the Shavette, which is suppose to mimick a SR. The two times I used the SR, I did not strop it. I did with subsequent uses. My stropping technique needs work, for sure. When I use the SR, I apply more pressure than with the Shavette, otherwise, no wiskers will be removed.

Thanks for the advise, I'll keep on trying.

Originally Posted by HNSB

Just guessing off of your username "vikingfan"... Are you located in Minnesota?
There are several members that you might be able to meet with that could offer some help.

Actually, I live in New York. Never been to Minnesota.

Originally Posted by gregs656

I wonder, did you strop the straight before you used it?

I did not strop it after first receiving it. Only stropped on subsequent uses.