Thread: Is My Straight Sharp Enough?

Thanks for reply seeker1911, I try to stretch the cheek, but my fingers seem to slip and not grip good,

Did you try 1st rubbing your fingers on an alum block for better skin traction? I got this tip from the Chimensch's 30th anniversary shave youtube video, it works well.

Originally Posted by RML

Thanks for reply seeker1911, I try to stretch the cheek, but my fingers seem to slip and not grip good,

+1 on the alum block. If you don't have an alum block, try a small wash cloth to help grip. It works decent.

Thanks for the reply seeker1911 (I have a Kimber 1911). The problem I have is stretching to shave my cheeks, hard to get a good grip with my fingers. and I have been using Williams soap for 40+ years with a DE razor and a GEM single edge for the past 15+ years and always getting a very good shave.

Thanks Guys I did not mean to double post, but I am not very computer savvy

Personally I would never accept someone else's word or opinion as to whether or not a razor is "shave ready." I don't care who they are, or say they are, or how long they've been involved with straight razors, etc. What another considers shave ready may not be, or at least may not be according to your standards.

I think it is important, sooner than later, to learn to judge a razors "shave readiness" for yourself.

A few possibilities:

1) Your razor might be keen enough for a good shave, but your technique is lacking.
2) Your shaving technique might be OK, but your razor not quite keen enough.
3) You may need to improve on both.

If you can at least eliminate one factor, the shave ready factor, then you'll know that it's not your razor, but your shaving technique that needs work.

Originally Posted by honedright

Personally I would never accept someone else's word or opinion as to whether or not a razor is "shave ready." I don't care who they are, or say they are, or how long they've been involved with straight razors, etc. What another considers shave ready may not be, or at least may not be according to your standards.

I think it is important, sooner than later, to learn to judge a razors "shave readiness" for yourself.

A few possibilities:

1) Your razor might be keen enough for a good shave, but your technique is lacking.
2) Your shaving technique might be OK, but your razor not quite keen enough.
3) You may need to improve on both.

If you can at least eliminate one factor, the shave ready factor, then you'll know that it's not your razor, but your shaving technique that needs work.

I tend to agree. I have come to find out that shave ready is different for different people. I guess it depends on their beard thickness, growth, and whatnot. I have had a few razors that were said to be shave ready and I had to put them to the hones. The last one being my Hart.It was sharp, and it could probably do the job on some people, but not me. If it is pulling or uncomfortable in any way I don't consider it shave ready.