Thread: Wholy monkey balls that hurt!

Well I finally got my shaving soap and brush so I could shave with my straight razor.
Just because you have a straight razor sharp enough to cut the hair on the back of your hand that doesn't mean you can shave with it!!!!!
I defanitely need to get a stone and hone this bugger, I stropped it but it's not sharp enough for my face. I feel like I stuck my kisser in a lawn mower!

you probably should send it to one of the honemasters on here.... they will do a much better job of it...\


i'm just sayin...

It's possible that it IS sharp enough, perhaps it's your technique. Just saying since it sounds like it's your first shave. I thought the same as you with my first razor, biggest mistake I did was try to hone it. No offense, just my 2¢.

Thanks for the tip, I will slow things down and try again befor I break out the stones!

did you buy it as shave ready?
Is it a new razor or vintage, and did you buy it as shave ready.
there are two possibilities, it is not shave ready or your technique needs refinement. Start at the cheek use low angle and shot strokes.
Make sure the pressure you use is very little.
Second important aspect of straight shaving is proper stropping, make sure to use proper technique.
You can read all about stropping in the Wiki
Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Heve fun

You may also want to check your lather. If you just got your soap and brush, you may not be getting the right prep. You want a lather that provides both slickness and cushion. This will make a huge difference as it conditions and wets the hairs which aids the razor in doing its job.

As others have pointed out, the razor may indeed be shave ready, but you don't know yet what that means. If it needs to be honed PLEASE let someone who knows what they are doing put the edge on it. You will save yourself countless hours of pain and frustration if you have the patience to learn to do this right!

Where did you get the razor, who honed it, and what is it? start with that and maybe we can give some good advise.

It's a Yankee Cutlery I bought off E-bay. It feels very sharp, I just checked and it passed the HHT. I guess my technique needs work.

You'll probably get more success if you light up a good cigar. I'd recommend a La Aroma de Cuba New Blend, but that's just me. If you want a poem, I'm your man.

Who did you purchase it from? Did the seller state shave readiness?
HHT means exactly squat, I can get a razor to pass HHT before I set the bevel.
If it isn't shave ready maybe someone in your area could help, check the member map.