http://badgerandblade.com/vb/ New to shaving with a straight razor? Want feedback on your technique? Feel free to ask all your questions here en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:58:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://badgerandblade.com/vb/images/styles/RoyalFlush/misc/rss.png http://badgerandblade.com/vb/ http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351697-Joris-entry-into-straights?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:33:20 GMT I received my CJB artist clone razor yesterday and loaded it with the Pro-Guard blade that was kindly gifted by alpster. It seemed a safer start than the Dorco's that I ordered aloing with it.

I am a morning shaver but I skipped this morning's shave so I could take my time for my first shave with the CJB.

Even though I am a daily shaver, I have the best shaves when I have skipped a day so having one and a half days of growth is an advantage.

I latherer some Arko on my face with cold water and did my first WTG pass. My only objective was clearing all the lather from my face. Starting on the cheeks all went pretty easy. Every bit as easy as with a DE or SE. The jawline and neck where a little more difficult but no cuts. Under the nose was a little more tricky, but my main problem was around the chin. My usual problem areas are under the nose and under the chin so no surprises there. One of the issues is finding the right way to hold the razor for some parts of my face.

I did a second pass WTG and got closer but still not perfectly under the nose and around the chin and ended up with 2 red dots on the chin. I used more scything movements, pivoting around the wrist and it did seem to cut more efficiently yet smoothly than pulling staight from the arm. Everything seemed to go better when I did not put as much thought in every stroke.

Even though common sense told be to either do another WTG pass, stop or finish with a razor I was more accustomed to, I could not resist going ATG.

The neck area went effortlessly, so did the cheeks. Under the nose I only went sideways and did not set the standard too high. I did draw some more blood in the chin area but nothing permanent. Most was gone after a cold rinse and the white towel was still white afer drying my face. There was no burn from the Proraso splash. In hindsight I think I should have divided my chin in smaller areas and stretched closer to the razor.

Now, a few hours later I realize that if I had a goatie and a stash, I would have almost had a perfect shave! I have two small red spots on my chin and a small bald patch where I usually have a bit of shadow (which can be seen but not felt rubbing ATG).

All in all, I consider it as a good start and look forward to the next shave.

In order not to mess with too many variables, I did order a pack of Pro-Guards and will leave the Dorco's untouched for a while.

I will post my progress but it will not be a journal because won't be having such a leisurely shave every day. (I will try though). ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic JDTTO http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351697-Joris-entry-into-straights http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351683-Reevers-Straight-Razor-Shave-Journal?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:56:19 GMT Hi guys,

After taking part in "Straight Razor May SRM" armed with a Parker Shavette in an effort to enhance my experience with wet shaving, I found myself enjoying the challenge and relishing the joys of clean shaves with a straight edge. I had planned to purchase a straight razor for SRM but it didn't work out, so I steamed ahead into SRM with my shavette instead.

Throughout SRM I found the shavette... to be honest... quite brutal! Through the month, I chased closer shave after closer shave, quite often forsaking my comfort, the ride turned out to be quite bumpy to say the least. I've resumed DE shaving since the end of May and my face and I are now friends again. I am determined that I will master shaving with straight edge, so in my usual reckless, both feet first manner, I order a 6/8 Dovo Bismarck with palisander scales from Superior Shave. I've convinced myself that the money I've "invested" will be an incentive to keep motivated on straight razor shaving.

When I came home from work yesterday there was a letter from the Duty and Customs office to explain that they were holding my parcel and I would need to come and collect (and pay some VAT). Finishing work early today I stopped by the Zollamt and so the journey begins... ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic Reevers http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351683-Reevers-Straight-Razor-Shave-Journal http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351678-I-have-a-shavette-now-what?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:34:56 GMT Hi

I've been considering starting straight razor shaving but can't quite stretch to the required financial outlay. So I was recommended a shavette - by my local gem of shaving shop - to use until I can justify the cost of a straight. I know that a shavette isn't a true representation and can be more difficult to master. But I bought a Bluebeards' Revenge shavette anyway.

Here's my question do I use the same blades as I use in my DE (Feathers) or do I go back the usual Derby - Astra - 7 o'clock [insert colour] - Feather progression that 'one' undergoes when starting DE shaving.

Also to find the correct angle do I lay the blade flat against my face and rotate until I hear the hair being cut (~30deg) or is there another way?

Is there anything else I should bare in mind?

I know these questions have probably been asked many times - sorry! ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic hwedin http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351678-I-have-a-shavette-now-what http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351625-First-Time-Straight-Razor-user-dry-skin?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:24:30 GMT I have been using a double edged razor for a while now and switched over to a straight razor last week. So far I have had 5 shaves with a Theirs Issard razor. Each time has been an improvement over the previous one. I have used the strop each time. I prep myself as I normally do; warm shower,... I have been using a double edged razor for a while now and switched over to a straight razor last week. So far I have had 5 shaves with a Theirs Issard razor. Each time has been an improvement over the previous one. I have used the strop each time.

I prep myself as I normally do; warm shower, pre-shave oil. I strop the razor next, followed by shaving soap lathered by a badger brush. The quality of shaves have improved, and this morning was the best so far. I finished with a combo of proraso after shave and a generous amount of proraso after shave balm. My skin is nice and smooth for an hour or two. However, after that my skin starts drying up especially around the chin area.

Any suggestions on how to eliminate the dryness?

Thanks
Saurabh ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic Saurabh http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351625-First-Time-Straight-Razor-user-dry-skin http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351371-Critique-my-straight-shave-video!?goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:24:52 GMT Hey guys,
I made a straight shave video for my step father who is interested in straight shaving. I then decided to just post it on Facebook for some of my friends as they are interested as well. I am always looking for constructive criticism in order to improve. I'm looking for it on all angles here. My shave, the video, the instructions, and so on. If you could have changed anything, what would it be?

Do be aware, I've only shaved with a straight maybe 10 - 15 times. Still getting my technique down but I have the basics. Looking for your advice. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBeJMpTIJsU&hd=1

]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic Cartier http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351371-Critique-my-straight-shave-video! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351345-Question-about-Carbon-Steel?goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:49:27 GMT I recently had my SR restored and I found out that its carbon steel by some rust that i just found under the pins and scales.. is it possible to get rid of this rust without sending it for a rehone and should i worry about the rust? I recently had my SR restored and I found out that its carbon steel by some rust that i just found under the pins and scales.. is it possible to get rid of this rust without sending it for a rehone and should i worry about the rust? ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic colingohl http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351345-Question-about-Carbon-Steel http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351258-So-much-rash-and-stubble-too?goto=newpost Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:11:23 GMT I just started with a straight this week. I am into my 4th shave. I have not cut myself nor had any blood - but I have managed to give myself some really good razor rash. How is this possible when i still have a lot of stubble on my face? I could understand the rash if the whiskers are gone but it... I just started with a straight this week. I am into my 4th shave. I have not cut myself nor had any blood - but I have managed to give myself some really good razor rash. How is this possible when i still have a lot of stubble on my face? I could understand the rash if the whiskers are gone but it seems a mean trick to have a case of rash and still have stubble for my trouble:)

When I first started shaving 35 years ago I do remember having razor rash but at least I had a clean shave for my effort. I must be gifted somehow:)

But I'd like to understand what I am doing wrong. I am going very gently with a light touch which is why I have not cut myself. I am lathering diligently with Cella, doing a nice hot cloth prep, etc.

Can someone explain this phenomenon to me please? ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic njtnjt http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351258-So-much-rash-and-stubble-too http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351016-6-14-Another-batch-of-free-honing-maybe-a-honing-demo-in-NoVA?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:07:20 GMT time just opened up big time for me after this weekend ( i think) so if you want a honing, i'd be happy to help.

just post intent here and PM me. First 3 get on the list right now.

i'd like to limit it to 3 blades right now as I definitely don't have time for 50 but perhaps as the batches move on through i'll get there.

To all the guys who have been generous on both sides, thanks for a job well done. it keeps the positive karma momentum alive

I'll also likely have a honing session this summer here in NoVa somewhere for those that want to get together. My wife is a bit on the skeptical side, but i'll eventually persuade her. ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic global_dev http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/351016-6-14-Another-batch-of-free-honing-maybe-a-honing-demo-in-NoVA http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350978-Interesting-first-shave?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:05:20 GMT 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. ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic njtnjt http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350978-Interesting-first-shave http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350907-I-dont-care-who-made-it-or-out-of-what?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:01:59 GMT $4,400 is just too much for a "shaving sword" :blink: ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic DirtDiver http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350907-I-dont-care-who-made-it-or-out-of-what http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350603-Recommend-me-a-straight-with-disposable-blades?goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:47:14 GMT Hi All,

Looking to switch from DE to a straight with disposable blades, I've seen a plethora of el cheapos out there and would like the forum members to comment and pass recommendations. I don't mind spending on a high quality item. Kindest regards from the UK! :thumbup: ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic raw8725 http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350603-Recommend-me-a-straight-with-disposable-blades http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350512-SirFuego-s-Shavette-Journal?goto=newpost Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:59:35 GMT My name's Jared and Bird_Flu mentioned this site to me on a non-shaving forum with both frequent. I've been using my shavette for a couple months so I figured it's time to start up a journal here...

I have been a cartridge user for years (Mach3 and Hydro5), but have never liked the price of replacement cartridges. Plus I have a coarse beard and always seem to clog up the cartridges. In the past couple years I have been trying other cheaper alternatives (including just growing a beard -- which I wasn't a fan of), without much success getting close to the shave/comfort of a Mach3. Everything else just seemed to eat up my face -- so I always assumed that the "old school" methods wouldn't be any better. Well after my last set of cartridges ran out a couple months ago, I did some research, watched some applicable YouTube videos, and decided to take the plunge...

So my first question was straight razor or safety razor? To me the straight razor just seemed more "interesting". However, there seemed to be a pretty big learning curve -- not only with the shaving, but also with the prep/maintenance. After seeing some references to "shavettes", I decided to find out what the heck they were. Well that seemed to be the ticket for what I was looking for. I know a shavette isn't exactly a "straight razor", but it seemed like something worth trying without putting the time and money into a real straight razor setup.

Here are the reasons I went with a shavette:

1) Lower startup costs than a straight razor (note that I didn't know about Whipped Dog's deals at the time). So if I didn't like it, the money I spent trying it out would be minimal.
2) You know the shavette is going to be sharp (just replace the blade if it isn't), so maintenance is minimal. I figured that will eliminate some variables while I'm getting the muscle memory down for a good shave.
3) Travel (though I haven't traveled since I made the switch). When I travel for work (once every couple months), I try to not check any baggage if I'm flying. I figure that with a shavette, I could bring it along with me (empty) and pick up blades at a convenience store where-ever I'm going. Has anyone run into issues traveling with an empty shavette? I guess I could see getting hassled at least until they realize it was empty, but wasn't sure if that happens or not...

So onto my setup. It's extremely basic (I wanted to keep it simple to start), but I'm extremely happy with my first 10 shaves or so.
- Parker SR1
- Shark Super Stainless blades
- Van der Hagen bowl, soap, brush combo
- Styptic pencil

Obviously, my first couple shaves went as well as could be expected for a newbie (though I can't say any of them qualified as a bloodbath), but I've recently been experimenting with different techniques as my comfort level with this type of shaving has increased. The more experimenting I did, the more I started to figure things out. And just last night I achieved what I would call a DFS. I'm sure it will only get better, and it's also reassuring that you may not need a really fancy setup to get good results (although if I don't keep this in check, I could see this turning into a money p-- err, hobby). I sport a goatee, so I haven't had the pleasure of shaving the chin, either.

Here is what I have learned so far:

1) The tutorials I found here on getting a good lather from cheap shaving soap have been great. I seem to like a more "watery" lather better than a nice thick one.

2) After doing a few multi-pass shaves, I started to pay more attention to the way my hair grows. I found out that:
2a) For the cheeks/jawbone, a WTG shave doesn't really do anything for me even with more growth. My last couple shaves have just been XTG and/or ATG for the cheeks/jawbone and have gotten a much better shave with less irritation. For whatever reason, XTG and ATG feel more natural, too.
2b) For the neck, starting ATG with my first pass then doing WTG for the second gives me the best results and also reduces irritation.

3) Proper lighting is key for a good shave. I've spent the past couple weekends working on a budget "refresh" of our bathroom to get it out of the 1960s and fix some minor issues. Part of the refresh involved replacing the ugly 48" flourescent light fixture with a sconce-style fixture using regular bulbs. It's positioned directly over the sink and the direct light has been great for touching up and overall visibility.

4) Up until last night, my shaves had been focused on using warm water. Last night I decided to switch to cold water (a couple splashes of cold water on my face, then onto the lather) and my results were fantastic. I had my first DFS and had almost no irritation. I'm not sure if this was just being "in the zone" or if the cold water really did help, but I'm going to continue experimenting to see what works best for me.

5) I should probably look into some sort of unscented (or lightly scented) aftershave.

6) I need to be more careful around the lip area when touching up. A shavette isn't very kind to the lip if you aren't very careful :laugh:

I'll keep this updated as I get more shaves in and of course open to any suggestions one may have, but just wanted to pass on my experiences so far. ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic SirFuego http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350512-SirFuego-s-Shavette-Journal http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350488-4-Shaves-in?goto=newpost Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:31:43 GMT I had my 4th SR shave this morning. I received a Ralf Aust SR and other equipment for my birthday this year, and I didn't ever think that I would actually look forward to shaving, but I do. My facial hair doesn't grow very rapidly, so I don't have to shave but every 2-3 days, which kind of sucks for practicing this new technique. Anyway, today was far and away the closest shave I think I have had in a long time. I finally did ok with my left hand. I still have issues right under the jaw line - I seem to have a hard time switching the angle properly as I pass over the bone and transition to the neck. I get small irritation spots in that area each time I shave so far. I kind of wish my hair would grow faster so I could shave again. Weird to be enjoying something that used to be so mundane. ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic IPA_Brewer http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350488-4-Shaves-in http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350480-Getting-Better-All-the-Time!?goto=newpost Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:48:57 GMT I am about 50 shaves in with the straights and am getting progressively better with each shave. I rarely cut myself anymore and am getting really close shaves with two passes and a second ATG on my jaw line. I think that I am becoming more "light handed" with the razor, regardless of which hand I use. Also, I have learned a bunch about edge "touchups" and keeping razors shave ready. I have actually bevelled and honed up two Gold Dollars ( a 66 and a 308) with excellent results. It took about four progressions, starting with a 1000 Norton Stone and ending with 1u film to get them right, but at least I now have some feel about how to do it. ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic dickt http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350480-Getting-Better-All-the-Time! http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350308-My-sister-found-a-few-straight-razors-packed-away?goto=newpost Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:07:19 GMT I was talking to my sister and mentioned that I just ordered a straight razor. She told me that her tenant, a dear friend, who had passed away sometime ago had a few that she recalled packing away. She isn't much of a photographer so is sending them out and I'll put some pics up. She said that non are chipped and other than looking old appear to be in good condition.

This is what she found:

Wadsworth Razor XLNT. yellow with nude lady.
FA Clauberg Tonsorail Gem. Yellow
Wade and Butchers Famous Keen Shaving Bow-Black
American Concave New England Razor Co. Black (broken scale at pivot)

Are these good shavers and worth restoring? Any feedback is appreciated. Is here anyone who does restoration of these? ]]> Straight Razor Shave Clinic PDman http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/350308-My-sister-found-a-few-straight-razors-packed-away