Trying to transition from a DE to a straight
Stropping is the one part of the whole process that gives me some cause for concern. Based on advice I've received from at least two people, I think I'm going to start with the strop laid on a table until I get the hang of the stroke-and-flip. Once I'm accustomed to that, I'll try it with the strop hanging from the hook.
Don't mean to double post, but I wanted to let everyone know how my first real straight shave went. Aside from a weeper or two, everything went great. It took a few minutes to get used to the length of the blade compared to the shavette. Once I was over that, everything went well. There's definitely a learning curve, and it will take a little while to figure out the best way to approach my shave... especially my neck. The hair on my neck grows upward, so a WTG pass involves upward strokes on my neck up to my jawline. When I switched to a safety razor, it took a few shaves to get everything figured out, and I'm sure this will be the same. However, if anyone has any advice on how to approach a situation like mine, I'm all ears.
After the shave, I stropped the razor on the strop I bought from WhippedDog.com. I was a little nervous about the process, but afterward the razor still popped hairs off my arm like a hot knife through butter.
Thanks again to Capt for the loaner razor and the Bay Rum aftershave sample. That stuff is awesome!
After the shave, I stropped the razor on the strop I bought from WhippedDog.com. I was a little nervous about the process, but afterward the razor still popped hairs off my arm like a hot knife through butter.
Thanks again to Capt for the loaner razor and the Bay Rum aftershave sample. That stuff is awesome!
The only advice is the most obvious, just do it and keep at it, and over time it becomes second nature, and of course, it requires your undivided attention and focus every second.
Gary
SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
Maybe give some consideration to a paddle strop. I prefer them and Tony Miller makes some nice ones.myersn024 wrote:Stropping is the one part of the whole process that gives me some cause for concern. Based on advice I've received from at least two people, I think I'm going to start with the strop laid on a table until I get the hang of the stroke-and-flip. Once I'm accustomed to that, I'll try it with the strop hanging from the hook.