Hello Everyone,
I have been a DE shaver for 30 years. Switched to a Feather DE with Feather blades a few years ago when that razor first came out and it made a big difference here in terms of comfort and closeness.
I don't know what possessed me but I have been curious about trying a straight so I bought a kit from Whipped Dog. I received a beautiful sight-unseen JR Torrey straight and a poor mans strop kit this week. Hats off to Larry for providing great equipment to beginners like me at a really good price. Today was the first morning I had time to test it all out. I shaved WTG a couple times with my feather as recommended to get the stubble down before using the straight for the first time.
I was surprised by a few things even though others have spoken of similar experiences here; 1) how much thinking was involved with figuring out the angles to approach all the areas of my face with the straight 2) how much razor burn I got in a few areas and 3) the small weeper and cut on my ear that I did not realize I gave myself till after the shave was done.
Obviously the learning curve is just as steep as many have mentioned here.
The razor burn is because I went over several areas on my chin, a patch on my neck and near my mouth several times. I was using a light touch, re-lathering but trying to get a bit closer of a shave. I irritated the skin - not horribly - but razor burn is not something I am used to anymore as I have the feather routine down pat. The chin is not that close - it looks fine at a sociable distance but feels quite stubbly under my fingers. The chin is going to take some time to figure out. The razor wanted to skip a bit on that area too so I went very gingerly. I'd rather have some stubble than lop something that is dear to me off. I have been using Cella soap for several years so stuck with that for the shave.
All in all - it was a good first effort. I just don't understand the angles and the amount of pressure needed yet. I obviously could have used a bit more angle in places to get the closer shave but how much is to be determined. Tomorrow I won't use the Feather first, I'll start with the straight and see how that goes. I may spend extra time prepping and softening the whiskers though.
I have been a DE shaver for 30 years. Switched to a Feather DE with Feather blades a few years ago when that razor first came out and it made a big difference here in terms of comfort and closeness.
I don't know what possessed me but I have been curious about trying a straight so I bought a kit from Whipped Dog. I received a beautiful sight-unseen JR Torrey straight and a poor mans strop kit this week. Hats off to Larry for providing great equipment to beginners like me at a really good price. Today was the first morning I had time to test it all out. I shaved WTG a couple times with my feather as recommended to get the stubble down before using the straight for the first time.
I was surprised by a few things even though others have spoken of similar experiences here; 1) how much thinking was involved with figuring out the angles to approach all the areas of my face with the straight 2) how much razor burn I got in a few areas and 3) the small weeper and cut on my ear that I did not realize I gave myself till after the shave was done.
Obviously the learning curve is just as steep as many have mentioned here.
The razor burn is because I went over several areas on my chin, a patch on my neck and near my mouth several times. I was using a light touch, re-lathering but trying to get a bit closer of a shave. I irritated the skin - not horribly - but razor burn is not something I am used to anymore as I have the feather routine down pat. The chin is not that close - it looks fine at a sociable distance but feels quite stubbly under my fingers. The chin is going to take some time to figure out. The razor wanted to skip a bit on that area too so I went very gingerly. I'd rather have some stubble than lop something that is dear to me off. I have been using Cella soap for several years so stuck with that for the shave.
All in all - it was a good first effort. I just don't understand the angles and the amount of pressure needed yet. I obviously could have used a bit more angle in places to get the closer shave but how much is to be determined. Tomorrow I won't use the Feather first, I'll start with the straight and see how that goes. I may spend extra time prepping and softening the whiskers though.
but today I sure did notice how light the razor is!
