Thread: Noob with a kami

So Glen honed a kamisori for me I got on ebay. Its a small one, only 33mm of cutting area, but I love it. Its been about a week of daily use and I am very disappointed that I waited this long to try shaving with a straight. It simply feels wonderful. Ive been taking it pretty slow. The first 3 or 4 shaves were only the cheeks, WTG. I started going for an XTG pass the last two days.

I tried a few strokes on the upper lip and met fierce opposition to my amateur technique, I guess with more patience and practice, I wont be finishing with my DE.
I have another kamisori on the way and havent really experienced any RAD yet. I thought I turned a corner with the ADs, but then I started checking out hones. Damn! Coticules and Jnats! These look fun!

Anyways, thanks all for getting the information on straight shaving out there!

Originally Posted by gigglemonk

I tried a few strokes on the upper lip and met fierce opposition to my amateur technique, I guess with more patience and practice, I wont be finishing with my DE.

If it's a technique issue always drop the spine flatter when meeting resistance. Prep & lather can be other factors but you'll get there. Early days yet.

The initial shaves are just an introductory, kind of get to know you type thing. As time goes on and you develop facility and confidence it gets easier and the shaves get better.

onimarus tip made a big difference, thanks! Getting to know this whole practice is so dang fun! I thought the DEs were the nuts but the straight is way more my style.
I realized that my edge may not have been all that great due to the fact that my strop was mistaken for a dog leash by the good looking one that I live with. So I was using my Pike strop/hone for a few days as I waited for a new strop in the mail.

practice practice practice