Straight razor shaving: week 1

**kallmir2000** · 06-01-2009, 04:20 PM

I received a new Thiers-Issard razor for Christmas and finally got the nerve to get it sharpened up and try it out. Thanks to gssixgun for a job well done and for getting it back to me so quickly.

Here’s my impression from week 1 (4 shaves):
Avoiding a bloodbath: easy!
Getting a good shave: remains to be seen

My advice to anyone thinking about giving a straight a try is not to worry too much about cutting yourself. Just make sure you have the blade at the proper angle BEFORE you put it to your face!

The biggest problem so far is that my face hurts after I shave. I’m sure this will go away with time, but I can’t imagine using the straight every day right off the bat – my face needs time to recover. The second biggest problem is that the shaves have been lousy, but I’m not worried about that at this point. Once I figure out how to do my chin I’ll at least be presentable.

If anyone has thoughts on the most likely culprit for my face pain, I'd like to hear them. Too much pressure? Not enough stropping? Not enough pre-shave oil? Something else?

-Andrew

**Muirtach** · 06-01-2009, 04:44 PM

Getting comfortable taakes a bit. Try half of of your normal passes with the straight and do a DE final pass. As you get more accustomed you will be able to move to just touch ups and then to proper shaves completely. Of course that is if you want to have a crsip shave while you learn.

As for the roughness, try lowering your angle a little. That was the trick for me personally

**strr** · 06-01-2009, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by kallmir2000

I received a new Thiers-Issard razor for Christmas and finally got the nerve to get it sharpened up and try it out. Thanks to gssixgun for a job well done and for getting it back to me so quickly.

Here’s my impression from week 1 (4 shaves):
Avoiding a bloodbath: easy!
Getting a good shave: remains to be seen

My advice to anyone thinking about giving a straight a try is not to worry too much about cutting yourself. Just make sure you have the blade at the proper angle BEFORE you put it to your face!

The biggest problem so far is that my face hurts after I shave. I’m sure this will go away with time, but I can’t imagine using the straight every day right off the bat – my face needs time to recover. The second biggest problem is that the shaves have been lousy, but I’m not worried about that at this point. Once I figure out how to do my chin I’ll at least be presentable.

If anyone has thoughts on the most likely culprit for my face pain, I'd like to hear them. Too much pressure? Not enough stropping? Not enough pre-shave oil? Something else?

-Andrew

You can set the blade on your face lightly and then move the spine closer to your face to get the proper angle.

I used to use pre shave oil as well but after taking the advice of the other members I stopped and havent looked back since. You dont need it as long as you have a good pre shave prep.

I got my stropping advice from mparker. I do 15 laps on canvas that has white rouge (bought in stick form from the hardware store) on it and then 25 laps on my strop. This works very well. Make sure you are stropping properly.

The razor burn could be due to your pre shave prep. Check out this thread http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9745 Itll help you on the right direction.

**Laser** · 06-01-2009, 05:57 PM

Sounds like your off to a good start. It took me a monthe to be able to do an entire three pass shave with my straight. Its ok to touch up with the DE until you feel really comfortable.
With regard to the irritation, make sure you are using really light pressure and if necessary decrease your angle.
Hope this helps a little. Enjoy the journey!

**kallmir2000** · 06-02-2009, 01:51 PM

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

**gregs656** · 06-02-2009, 02:04 PM

Yer, these guys advice on your razor burn sounds good. Proper prep is really important, a hot towel for a min or two, and shaving after a shower, make a real difference.

Also, angle is important, they say 30 degress, but basically shallow and no pressure!

After a week or so, you will really start to notice what works and what doesn't. Keep at it.

**SavantStrike** · 06-02-2009, 02:49 PM

Right well the important thing is to get the basics down. Make sure to use a 90 degree angle, and cut with a sawing motion as you move the blade across your face...

I'm only a month and a half into this myself so take my advice with a grain of salt, but as others have said, 30 degrees is probably a bit steep. Try reducing your angle and also make sure not to use a lot of pressure. My face still hurts if I try to get a DFS, but if I go for reduction rather than elimination, the pain is significantly less pronounced.