Thread: Making the switch from a DE to a straight razor!

My razor should be here on Saturday. I've been able to find most information so far, but my main questions are:

- What's a good youtube video in regard to technique?
- How many passes do you do before/after shaving on a strop?
- What's the best way to dry your razor?

I'm looking forward to making the switch. Thanks so much in advance.

-R

My _personal_ answers to (2) and (3):

I strop before shaving (20 lap canvas, 50 laps leather). I don't strop between shaving passes, usually -- and when I do, I swear at the razor for not being sharp enough when I started.

For drying the blade:

. . . Wipe with a towel;

. . . strop 10 laps on leather to dry the cutting edge completely;

. . . put a drop of anti-corrosion oil on the blade, and spread it around the blade and tail with a tissue.

. . . occasionally put a drop of oil into the pivot.

Charles

1. When I started I watched geofatboy channel on YouTube
2. I make 60 laps on leather before,30 after
3. Wipe with towel and as I mentioned 30 laps on lather.

You're going to get dozens of different answers, so here's my version.

I used videos to get ideas for how to grip my razor to get the angles right. After that, I didn't pay much attention to things like what parts to shave first, second etc. What I did find very helpful in videos was switching hands because it greatly improves my sightlines.

Stropping...Get 6 guys together and you'll get 8 different techniques and answers. I do 75 laps on leather before shaving and none after, but I have a short strop. Once I'm finished with my shave I rinse my razor, dry it with a towel and then quickly go over it with a tissue around the pivot pin. It then goes into the case, which is kept outside the bathroom to stay dry. I've never used any oil on my blades because I'm just too darned lazy to get some and clean it up when its needed. If the steel is dry when you put it away and you use the razor in a regular rotation you shouldn't get any rust or water stains.

I watched Lynn's video/DVD to get an idea of how to do this...in fact, to determine whether I could do it. I was worried about slicing my head off. (Well, not really, but I was a bit concerned)

I do 2 passes, one with the grain, one against. 3 seems like it would be too much for my face.

I do 30 on canvas, then 60 on leather before shaving. I don't strop between passes. Then I dry the blade off with a rag, do thirty on canvas, and put a drop of 3 in 1 oil on each side of the blade. I smear the oil on the blade with a finger, taking care always to move the finger toward the edge, never against it.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.