This is really hard. Third shave ... neck looks like mince meat.

**Kentos** · 07-16-2012, 10:41 PM

Slowly but surely wins the race. You are doing great so far, and with all the good advice things will improve steadily. IMO the ability to constantly change the angle of the blade against the skin allows the best shave possible compared to any other method. But I am biased of course :) and YMMV.

**Tkocloser** · 07-17-2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Ikaponthus

Did my prep not sound sufficient to you?

Actually, your shave prep sounds pretty good to me already. I was just trying to offer something constructive without having a lot of detail about your budding shaving technique. Keep it going! Things improve with practice.

**Ikaponthus** · 07-17-2012, 04:53 PM

@tkocloser: good news. Thanks mate, I appreciate that.

@kentos: I wish (hope) it is true! I'd love to do all my shaving with a straight!

**paco664** · 07-17-2012, 05:19 PM

so did my tip help any at all??

**Ikaponthus** · 07-17-2012, 05:21 PM

I have not shaved again yet. I have got to give it a few days for my neck to recover from the last beating.

Also, it's just too short. I usually go a few days between shaving anyway. I don't mind a bit of stubble. I was planning to give it almost a week this time, to allow the neck to recover.

**paco664** · 07-17-2012, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Ikaponthus

I have not shaved again yet. I have got to give it a few days for my neck to recover from the last beating.

Also, it's just too short. I usually go a few days between shaving anyway. I was planning to give it almost a week this time, to allow the neck to recover.

well.... hurry up...

**AllenG** · 07-17-2012, 05:28 PM

I've been straight shaving for about a year now.
When I began I would start with my straight until I got frustrated or nicked myself and would finish up with a cartridge, but everyday start with the straight. Before long I was using the cartridge to clean up rather than finish. And a while longer I was only using the straight razor.

As stated before, short strokes, light pressure, and keep the spine as close to your face as you can and it still cut.

One problem when you are starting out is you dull the blade more quickly because of poor technique in shaving, poor stropping, lacking honing skills, etc. When I started I was honing my razors every 4-5 shaves. Now I haven't pulled out the rocks in a couple of months. As you improve in all the skills your shave gets better.

Stick with it. It gets easier as you get more comfortable with the tools.

**Doc226** · 07-17-2012, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

well.... hurry up...

That's funny, specially form a guy with a custom title as yours-LOL

**Ikaponthus** · 07-17-2012, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

well.... hurry up...

Hahaha. Love the crazy emoticon.

**paco664** · 07-17-2012, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Doc226

That's funny, specially form a guy with a custom title as yours-LOL

yeah.. that was the day i learned about shaving while pissed off........

never shave when your pissed off.... it ends badly....

**rimmini** · 07-18-2012, 05:24 AM

IK If your blade is sharp...and you say you just had it honed so I assume it is. And you have a quality razor which you do. Then it sounds like your shaving angle is off. I grow a full beard every winter and shave it the spring. Never had any problems. Do this. lather our arm and use your razor to shave it. This will give you a feel for what the angle of the blade should be on your face. Now try to get that angle in the mirror. This takes practice but you'll get there.

Jst reread your post. You said this is your third shave.... Not to point out the obvious but did you strop your blade? The edge on any razor will become unaligned after a few shaves and needs to be stropped back into shape every once in a while.

**Ikaponthus** · 07-18-2012, 04:15 PM

Yeah, I strop the razor!

The first two shaves were with the factory edge, just stropping. This last shave was straight after it was honed. I could notice a difference in the sharpness between the two.

I'll give it another go soon. Still waiting for my neck to recover 100%. I think part of the problem last time was I shaved when my neck was still a tiny bit raw from the previous shave.

**Tkocloser** · 07-18-2012, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ikaponthus

Yeah, I strop the razor!

The first two shaves were with the factory edge, just stropping. This last shave was straight after it was honed. I could notice a difference in the sharpness between the two.

I'll give it another go soon. Still waiting for my neck to recover 100%. I think part of the problem last time was I shaved when my neck was still a tiny bit raw from the previous shave.

You are wise to wait if you can. I beat up my neck pretty good recently, got impatient and shaved again, and still have residual redness. I'm also giving it 4-5 days this time to start fresh. Think of how awesome your shave will be as you incorporate some of this excellent advice! Progress is fun