Hello, I'd just like to introduce myself. I'm Rupert from the UK and, having stumbled upon the idea of shaving with a straight razor, fell in love with it and got sucked in!
So a couple of weeks ago I went to Taylor's and bought myself a new Dovo straight razor, strop and some of their shave cream. I'd just like to share my early thoughts.
Having read here and on other forums that most new razors don't come shave ready and need honing, I made sure to ask the salesman whether it did indeed require honing. He assured me it would be fine for at least a few months and, being Taylor's, I took his word for it. I've had a play around with the razor and, although the after the first couple of shaves my face was getting qutie sore, I seem to be getting the hang of it. At the moment, I'm not going further than the sides of my face and under my chin. The steep contours still scare me! The shaves are getting better as I'm less afraid to apply a little pressure to the blade, improving the angle and my lathering technique. The only thing I keep doing is accidently cutting my right ear as i catch it with the tip of the blade!
Three things that have struck me so far, the blade does seem sharp but I'm wondering whether it could be sharper. It doesn't seem to drag too badly, I think any discomfort is more down to my own inexperience. That said, the blade won't cut a hair that i rest on its edge!
I'm also a little worried about how I should be cleaning the the razor. After shaving i make sure it's properly dried but it's very difficult to get all the water out of the hinge and it is getting a little stiffer. I've also noticed a little rust forming around the hinge (but nothing anywhere near the edge of the blade). Sould I be oiling or greasing the blade at all? I've applied a very small amount of grease to the hinge today, just to keep any rust formation at bay. Also, I've noticed a minor imperfection towards the base of the blade. I imagine this is just due to my learning how to handle the thing properly. It's only really just visible and not really noticed until i drag the blade across my thumb nail. I'm sure it'll hone out.
Thirdly, I've really learned to realise how important lathering and preparing the face is! I'm using a Taylor shaving cream applied with a brush (not badger yet!). I now apply lather to my face before i get in the shower, leave it on during the shower then lather again as soon as i get out before actually shaving and that seems to work pretty well.
Well I hope this first post hasn't been too long and hopefully will get some good tips and feedback. I can't see this straight razor thing is easy but I'm certainly enjoying the whim and luxury of it!
So a couple of weeks ago I went to Taylor's and bought myself a new Dovo straight razor, strop and some of their shave cream. I'd just like to share my early thoughts.
Having read here and on other forums that most new razors don't come shave ready and need honing, I made sure to ask the salesman whether it did indeed require honing. He assured me it would be fine for at least a few months and, being Taylor's, I took his word for it. I've had a play around with the razor and, although the after the first couple of shaves my face was getting qutie sore, I seem to be getting the hang of it. At the moment, I'm not going further than the sides of my face and under my chin. The steep contours still scare me! The shaves are getting better as I'm less afraid to apply a little pressure to the blade, improving the angle and my lathering technique. The only thing I keep doing is accidently cutting my right ear as i catch it with the tip of the blade!
Three things that have struck me so far, the blade does seem sharp but I'm wondering whether it could be sharper. It doesn't seem to drag too badly, I think any discomfort is more down to my own inexperience. That said, the blade won't cut a hair that i rest on its edge!
I'm also a little worried about how I should be cleaning the the razor. After shaving i make sure it's properly dried but it's very difficult to get all the water out of the hinge and it is getting a little stiffer. I've also noticed a little rust forming around the hinge (but nothing anywhere near the edge of the blade). Sould I be oiling or greasing the blade at all? I've applied a very small amount of grease to the hinge today, just to keep any rust formation at bay. Also, I've noticed a minor imperfection towards the base of the blade. I imagine this is just due to my learning how to handle the thing properly. It's only really just visible and not really noticed until i drag the blade across my thumb nail. I'm sure it'll hone out.
Thirdly, I've really learned to realise how important lathering and preparing the face is! I'm using a Taylor shaving cream applied with a brush (not badger yet!). I now apply lather to my face before i get in the shower, leave it on during the shower then lather again as soon as i get out before actually shaving and that seems to work pretty well.
Well I hope this first post hasn't been too long and hopefully will get some good tips and feedback. I can't see this straight razor thing is easy but I'm certainly enjoying the whim and luxury of it!