Thread: Razor Burn

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I would REALLY like to know where it says that on this site, this isn't the first time I've seen a newbie quote this "fact". Guess what guys, it's a load of bunk! There are many factors that will determine how quickly you will succeed at SR shaving; the user's manual dexterity and using a shave ready blade would be at the top of the list. To tell a new person it will take 100 tries to get good results from something is not only disheartening but dishonest as well. I can only speak from personal experience, but it only took me a fraction of that number to get serviceable shaves, and still far less than 100 to reach BBS level.

So again, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pay no attention to that number, or any other number for that matter, and simply concentrate on getting a good shave. You will get there in due time.

Have fun,

Ryan

I am agreement with Ryan82 also. Since everyone is different, they may become proficient long before the 100th shave and perhaps beyond the 100th shave. I say it will have to depend on many variables. I believe I became proficient at around my 60th shave, however, I am still learning this craft and I am still trying to work on consistency.

What I would tell a newbie is that it will take a number of shaves to become proficient and reach in their own perception that coveted BBS shave.

I must say this thread has been a big help. I just did my first full shave last night and I am still recovering. I still have stubble on my neck and major razor burn. I know sharpness isn't an issue but I can tell you I was increasingly putting more and more pressure down and then trying to go against the grain to get it close as I wasn't getting the desired results. The only thing I did was severely irritate my neck by doing so. Next time I'll strop a lot more, bring that angle down and stretch the skin tighter.

Here's a way to think about pressure: Scrape off the lather and the beard will follow. Scrape off the beard and the burn will follow.

I have read this sentence in the forum quite a few times: "We are reducing the beard, not eliminating it."

Yeah, my best shave so far was actually a 4-pass shave, WTG,XTG, ATG, XTG. All done with minimal pressure going very lightly. No burn!

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I would REALLY like to know where it says that on this site, this isn't the first time I've seen a newbie quote this "fact". Guess what guys, it's a load of bunk! There are many factors that will determine how quickly you will succeed at SR shaving; the user's manual dexterity and using a shave ready blade would be at the top of the list. To tell a new person it will take 100 tries to get good results from something is not only disheartening but dishonest as well. I can only speak from personal experience, but it only took me a fraction of that number to get serviceable shaves, and still far less than 100 to reach BBS level.

So again, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pay no attention to that number, or any other number for that matter, and simply concentrate on getting a good shave. You will get there in due time.

Have fun,

Ryan

Mea Culpa! I was one of those Beginners who fell into the trap of repeating that "100 shaves are necessary." However, reading through the Beginner's Forum, I have seen post after post of beginners who are having great success within the first five shaves. I have come to the conclusion that believing a 100 Shaves as necessary for success only becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ryan, thanks for calling us out and clearing the air on this.

I will admit that it took me only a little while to get comfortable with everything except the dreaded chin area. That did take longer than a couple of weeks.

Happy Shaving!

I am still in Ryan82's camp on this. A person can have 100 shaves or so and still get nicks, cuts, skips, and razor burn even if they have had some really great shaves during those 100 shaves. They are only successful 100 shaves if a person continues to learn from each shave. Good results comes from learning, practice, and patience that begins with shave #1 onward. I also keep things in perspective and simple with straight razor shaving and I am firm believer in, "If it works for you and brings you success, by all means go for it." Also, I go by the mantra: "If it's not broken, don't fix it."

The biggest problem I am encountering is learning how to correctly shave the hairs to the right and left of my throat. The hair seems to grow almost horizontally and I can't seem to get in there before my hands start to shake. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Use either a double-edge safety razor, or a Schick injector razor, on those sections. It may be "cheating", but it'll get the beard off without nicking you. And your hand won't be shaking.

A straight razor has a _long_ blade compared to a DE or injector. The injector blades are about 1.5" long, slightly shorter than a DE blade, and the injector razor heads are very compact. For areas where the skin curvature changes quickly, or hollow spots, the shorter blade makes life _much_ easier.

All the previous advice is good, of course.

Charles

To KYPHILIP

First of all - welcome to the group
They are a great bunch of people here, always willing to share knowledge and tips

I am also a relative newbie straight razor shaver
Like a number of members I also have a problem area around the chin and Adams apple
Its a work in progress working out what is best for my face
Time, patience, practice and you will be OK

Not sure how many shaves I have had so far, I wasn't counting them
It would be under 20 shaves for sure

I can safely say that my shaves are getting better
Just take it one shave at a time
And never try a straight razor shave after a big night out
When you see how your hand can shake at this time
it makes you very nervous about putting a razor to your face

Have fun

Rick