Finally got a good one!

[BrookR1]

Shave #6!

I prepped well using TOBS pre-shave oil and Nancy Boy Signature cream. I'll have to say that TOBS is my favorite. It's right in between the heavy AoS pre-shave and the thin T&H pre-shave.

I lathered up and really took my time, using short deliberate strokes. I really focused on stretching my skin and getting the proper angle on the razor. I've learned that angle isn't quite as critical as getting the skin really stretched out. I finished my WTG pass without problems. I'm still having difficulties doing XTG passes on my neck area, but I feel like I've got my cheek, chin, and upper lip areas down. Using my left hand is getting easier, but I still prefer using my right hand. I reapplied lather as it dried out.

Then I did something I haven't done before...I tried going ATG. I was pretty nervous at first, but once I got the blade angle figured out, it went well. I needed reduce the blade angle considerably to start out. Once I got the blade going, it was just a matter of adjusting the angle to maximize cutting efficiency.

I still get much better results using a DE, but now I feel like I'm on my way. I got a good shave this morning and I celebrated with a little Clubman...hardly any sting!

I also attribute this success to solving my stropping problem. When I first got my razor, I stropped way too hard and dulled the blade. I became a little gun shy and then stropped too slowly, thinking I was being too aggressive with it. Well, stropping too slow is just as bad as stropping too hard, and won't do anything for the blade. Once I got it down, I was popping hairs like crazy, and my razor felt much easier to use (less tugging).

I also over conditioned my strop, so it was practically worthless until it dried out enough. I learned that the purpose of conditioning a strop is to give a bit more friction, which helps sharpen the blade. I'm glad I did this to my $10 poor man's strop and not my $65 Walkin' Horse strop. I'm not going to condition my WH strop unless it's too difficult to work with.

So, I guess I made all of the classic newb mistakes. I expected as much. I'm glad I purchased the Whipped Dog special instead of the new Dovo I was originally thinking about. I have two nicer straights, but I'm going to hold off working with those for a few more weeks until I feel like I've got my routine down.

This board is a great resource.

[BrookR1]

Well, there's no questioning my stropping technique now, my blade was very sharp this morning. I have three small cuts to prove it. One cut was a previous injury that hadn't quite healed. That made me a little more nervous, so my shave didn't go as well as yesterdays. I still got a very close shave, but I wasn't as comfortable using my left hand to shave with. Maybe it was the extra sharpness of the blade or maybe something else. I have a tiny bit of stubble on my lower lip, but the rest of my face feels just as smooth (smoother?) as when I use a DE. I have a little bit of razor burn, but it's not too bad.

[Easttexasman]

Congrats on the improvement. It only gets better and better with practice.

[Kentos]

Great to read your successes! Pretty soon the shaves will equal, then possibly surpass the DE.

[BrookR1]

Thanks for the encouragement. I saw a couple of geofatboy's videos, and I think I heard him say that it takes about 100 shaves to get proficient at straight razor shaving. I totally believe that. So, I'm just taking it a day at a time. I am really looking forward to when I can shave before all of my lather dries.

[grump]

Congratulations! It will continue to get better and better. It almost makes wonder why people made the switch from straights years ago.