2nd Straight shave

[beowulf566]

Okay so I honed the blade and stropped it and I had a much better shave far less irritation and far easier. I still think it could be sharper so I am going to re-hone and re-strop again tonight and see, I think I will be able to get this dialed in over the next couple shaves, then it will be just working on technique so I can get a closer shave.
What do you use to keep the razor from rusting between shaves?
what are you guys using for shave soap, creams ect?
thanks

[Grumpy Badger]

Can't help... I leave that job to the professionals!

[Anthony808]

Stick with it. I've been shaving with a straight for a year now. It took me 3 months before I could get an acceptable shave without irritation. Now I get a smoother shave than any other method and totally irritation free.

To keep the rust off the blade, wipe it clean with toilet/tissue paper. Make sure you get in between the scales. Then strop it - that will keep the micro serrations on the teeth alligned and reduce rust which will keep the blade sharper. I put a light coat of oil on the blade and store it in a dry place. Hope this helps.

My favorite soap is Mitchel's Wool Fat with a Simpson Persion Jar brush. You can also experiment with creams. At first I preferred creams until my technique go better, then soap for a closer shave. YMMV.

[Davidco]

Originally Posted by beowulf566

Okay so I honed the blade and stropped it and I had a much better shave far less irritation and far easier. I still think it could be sharper so I am going to re-hone and re-strop again tonight and see, I think I will be able to get this dialed in over the next couple shaves, then it will be just working on technique so I can get a closer shave.
What do you use to keep the razor from rusting between shaves?
what are you guys using for shave soap, creams ect?
thanks

After my shave I make sure to dry the razor and then apply a very light coat of oil after I strop it. I have 7 straights and no rust on any of them, so I must be doing something right. I strop after the shave and right before the shave. Should only have to hone the razors every couple of months.

[beowulf566]

thanks for the advice I bbqed last night and it was very humid and I ended up sweating a bit and my neck became very irritated, I shaved this morning and I am a red mess, looks like I shaved with a jagged rock I am going to have to get that technique down because this is no fun My razor still does not pass the "hair test" I wonder if that means it is still not sharp enough? I will have to remember to strop after my shave as well.

[George Burdell]

For the blade, I use camellia oil when a blade is not in the regular rotation. I know a fellow in the pacific northwest who mixes a small amount of bee's wax in the oil he uses. However, most any oil will do. Any petroleum based product will work - vaseline, etc. I've even used petroleum jelly based lip balm in a pinch when traveling.

For the soap, and I've tried a ton of creams and soaps, I prefer L'Occitane Cade. Not too expensive, great lather, silken texture. Easily my favorite.

[Damage Inc.]

OK, my $0.02
Stuff:
Taylor of old Bond St. pre-shave gel & shaving cream + a 'super badger' or 'silver tip' badger brush (I like Kent & Vulfix)
Alum bar (classic shaving sells a nice one)
Pre de Provence aftershave

Technique:
Shower or hot towel first (the "3S's" are in that order for a reason)
Pre-shave gel (I prefer this over oil as it doesn't seem to coat the brush like the oils)
Lather (I do 1/2 of my face at a time).
Stretch/pull-tight your skin so that you're not fighting the wrinkle/smush factor & can get a smooth shot at the whiskers.
Long strokes of the razor will produce less irritation than lots of short strokes.
If the lather dries, refresh it with your brush before continuing.
Go with the grain when/when ever possible.
If the first pass isn't close enough, a second (light) pass against the grain will clean it up.
'Bout all I can offer...sharp blades, smooth shaves, and the best of luck!

[beowulf566]

thanks guys. I had the third shave this morning I used a hot towel and that made my shave much easier and smoother! I still have irritation on my neck because I was shaving over already irritated skin. i will give some of these creams ect. a try thanks again