Thread: Shaving technique.

Something else to consider is that you started with a Japanese style razor, which can be challenging to learn even for a straight razor veteran. Issues are bound to come up, so don't feel bad. I'm not saying you're in over your head, but it will likely take some extra care and diligence to learn how to use the Iwasaki.

Those are great points. I basically decided to start out by drinking from a fire hose also. I learned how to hone, lather, and straight shave in the same week and insisted on shaving most of my face and neck with my first shave that was with a razor I repaired and honed prior to trying it out.

I learned a lot! The first thing I learned was that these guys are right. Start slow and simple. Focus on learning ONE thing on each shave. In this manner you will enjoy the learning for many weeks to come!

I also learned how to post in the cut of the day thread...and not to hone a razor start to finish on DMTs...and not to try and shave the tricky spots when you are still burning your cheeks...and angles are almost everything....and pressure is almost the rest...and a DMT edge will pass HHT4-5 but still shave like a garden rake...and HHT is not trusted my many for a reason (but I still maintain it has it's place)....and...

OK, day off tomorrow. Then on Tuesday, just my cheeks.

+1 to Unit and Glen. Take it slow. Read, watch, reread the info in SRP. Ask questions. Hey, you have a long time to master this art. Have fun.

you'll do fine.

you've tried, then asked, gotten answers, and are heeding the advice. plenty of time, take the time.

I shaved as much this past month as i have in any prior 3-4 month period. now i'm up to day two SR, and cheeks-only it is. today the left hand got a go...

Now just use some logic and think about this for awhile.

Why would someone design a razor that in using both sides required radically different angles to shave with depending on the side? Maybe it's because you're not supposed to use both sides or maybe each side was designed with something totally different in mind eh?

Alot of maybes and to think about too.

When I first started I thought, well, if one stroke took of alot of whiskers 2 would take off much more and three even more and 4 even more than that. Well, I sure learned fast.

If Alum Blocks or After Shaves sting after your shave, use something else like a shaving balm.

There has been a lot of good advice given already. I would like to add that getting your lather correct will make a huge difference. Regarding Cushion & Glide, a lather that is too dry will lack both and a lather that is too wet will lack Cushion but still have glide. When your lather is on your face, it should look shiny, not matte. If it looks matte, it is too dry and you need to add more water. You don't have to shave to practice making lather and it is important to pay close attention to how you are making your lather so you can repeat the successes and avoid the failures. Things to keep in mind, know how much water you are adding (I shake my brush twice prior to loading the brush, this way I know how much much water I am adding), know how much product you are adding (count swirls if using a soap puck or use a measuring device if using creams...maybe Glen can hook you up with a snurdle) this will allow you to move towards success and away from failure. Keep asking questions and you'll do fine.

OK, I did my cheeks and my moustache area. One nick (think it was a re-open of one already there) and quite a close shave. Finished my chin and neck with a disposable.

No razor burn and the alum block didn't hurt when I ran it over my face.