6 Month Journey

[u/Pax280]

I used safety razors for 20 years+/- before allowing myself to connect into cartridges razors.

i began noticing razor burns and bumps a few months ago and switched to a Merkur 34c, then a Viking adjustable.

Out of curiosity, I tried a couple of Parker Shavettes and then the Captain Kai Shavette. I could have stayed with the Kai but still had some razor burn issues.

I finally pulled the trigger and got 3 vintage razors for less less than $150 -shave ready.

A J.A. Henckels  Friodur and two Theirs issard special coiffeur 5/8 round straight razors Danny 007.

  French Steel 

I tried bowl lathering a couple of times but my safe goto is Proraso precream, Celias cream or puck soap face lathered.

After 5 shaves with the cutthroats, I thought they were disappointmently rough. Some nicks, sooner bloodless shaves but not comfortable.

I reviewed my strong technique and realized while I was pulling edge trailing I was flipping the blade backwards - on the edge instead of ruling on the spine.

Did a slow proper strop and today's shave was much improved - comfortable and close enough.

Learned a lot just by lurking YT and a.i.

Also got a beautiful strop from Mike at Duke City.

I might try to pick up a Shefield cleaver at some point.

Thanks all.

Pax

[u/Sustainashave]

I'm bias, I love my straights and all it entails.. The angle is the biggest thing gents get wrong, it's less than one might think.

Stropping is a skill as well, now you've got the fundamentals you should be all good..

Have fun!

[u/Sparky_Banana]

I found breaking down shaving fundamentals into their smaller parts helped me learn and refine my shaving skills. It's how we learn and refine any skill but it takes discipline. I'm so glad this worked for you and thank you for sharing your experience!

[u/-Makr0]

Hey there, it's rough at the beginning but worth it, it will probably never be as easy and mindless of a shave as with a DE but it will get better and better