Tips and Tricks

Before you start

• Make sure that you have a Shave Ready straight razor. A factory honed razor is not shave ready. Have a pro sharpen it for you, chances are, that you will get a better results than doing it yourself. Knowing what is shave ready without having a shave ready razor is difficult to measure.
• If you drop the razor, do not try to catch it!

During the Shave

• Keep your hands and the razor as dry as possible. The grip will be better and you will reduce any chances of causing rust and pitting.
• Use a sponge to wipe the razor clean. Wet the sponge, squeeze as much water out and then you can use it to wipe the lather off the straight while you shave. Use a stropping motion to do so. A sponge will be easier to clean than a towel.
• Keep the spine almost flat to your face while shaving. You need a really small angle.
• Hold the razor securely. It needs to become a fixed item in your hand. Also, keep in mind, that putting pressure is not a good idea.
• You can wet the tip of your fingers and rub them on an alum bloc or styptic pencil. This will help stretching your skin.
• Use both hands while shaving.
• You can switch hands if you like, this will help while you shave. It won't be natural at first but will get better with time. Keep in mind that you can use your dominant hand for the whole shave and still succeed.
• Keep your hand and anything else clear from the blade. If unsure, close the straight razor while not shaving, between passes.
• Make sure that you are not resting the blade on your face, chances are that you will cut yourself.
• Beware of distractions while shaving: Dog, cat, kids, SWMBO, etc.
• If the razor stops or catch the skin, stop!
• Try to keep your eyes clear at all time while shaving.
• If the razor is pulling, the blade is dull or your technique is off.

Post-Shave/Honing

• Make sure that your razor is dry! The last thing that you want is to find some rust or pitting! Some use mineral oil to prevent any rust, some don't.
• Buy a microscope or a jeweler loupe. This will help you see the edge while honing. The degree or how much you want to see is up to you. Having one is better than none.
• Read the interactive guides and ask questions if required!