1000 straight questions...

I really like what Chris said about each of us finding what works for us, whether honing, shaving or any of the other topics that get covered. There are just too many variables for each of us.

Hey guys I just wanted to jump in here and say how much I’ve enjoyed this thread. I don’t currently have a straight razor but I’ve been seriously considering one lately. A few months ago I got a shavette thinking it would be a cheap way to learn and get my feet wet. I quickly got discouraged using it and from what I’m reading now that’s common. I don’t have any questions right now. So far I’ve found the answer to all my questions in this thread....Well straight razor questions that is.

Thanks for all the great information!

When doing a 3-pass shave with a straight, do you change the angle of the blade for the WTG, XTG, and ATG passes? I was reading an article from the Straight Razor Palace and it indicated to start with a 30 degree angle and then go to 15 degree (XTG) and 5 degree (ATG).

I really appreciate the advice BadDad and Pete123 noted earlier in this thread (basically, do what works for you). But I am curious as to whether changing the angle is a common method with most straight razor users.

I do a pass and a half with my straights. The half just to touch up and cut in to facial hair. I do not change angle staying at about 15 degrees both times. I keep the angle tight, works the best for me

When doing a 3-pass shave with a straight, do you change the angle of the blade for the WTG, XTG, and ATG passes? I was reading an article from the Straight Razor Palace and it indicated to start with a 30 degree angle and then go to 15 degree (XTG) and 5 degree (ATG).

I really appreciate the advice BadDad and Pete123 noted earlier in this thread (basically, do what works for you). But I am curious as to whether changing the angle is a common method with most straight razor users.

I'll either do a 2 1/2 or a 3 1/2 pass shave with my straights - depending on if I skipped a day of shaving or not.

The 1/2 pass is the touch-up pass - usually only on my throat area.

If I do a 2 1/2 pass shave the two passes are - WTG at about a 20-30 degree angle, and the ATG pass (or South-North, rather) with the blade almost flat against my skin. The 1/2 pass is to go ATG where a S-N pass is not actually ATG.

If I do a 3 1/2 pass shave, then in between the WTG and ATG pass, I also do a XTG pass with the blade a little more angled off the skin than for the ATG pass.

The flatter the angle, the more comfortable the pass is. I find that if I keep my blades very, very sharp (and I do), then even a flatter angle will result in a very good, close shave.

So, yes, I do change the blade angle for each pass. The SRP guidelines are only general rules. You have to modify your technique as you find what works for you.

Thanks Timwcic and yohannrjm! I tried shifting the angle this morning but primarily what I did was change the WTG angle. It had been too shallow and, honestly, I was hesitant to go to a 30 degree angle. But, for the most part, it was a relatively smooth pass. I look forward to playing with the angles more and trying to "tighten up" my technique.

Sounds like its coming along. It takes a while to figure out what works best for you.

Well I did it! I stumbled on to a 40% off sale at SRD and decided to order my first straight razor. I ordered one of the 5/8 dovo's. I had been thinking about getting a vintage razor, but this way I thought it would be a good baseline razor to start with. I also ordered a nice 3" strop while I was at it. The poor man strop kit from whipped dog is the next thing on my list to order. I definitely don't want to accidentally destroy the 3" strop right out of the gate.

I'm sure I will have a few questions after I get started.

Good for you! This sounds like a great plan. Which razor did you get? I have a smaller strop, though really appreciate a 3 inch one.

I got the Dovo Gentleman with the Yew Wood scales. I believe it's the Dovo model 121. I travel quite a bit for work. So I figured the strop from whipped dog would make for a great travel strop as well.