My First Shave; The after action review

[Al in Cal]

Hello Fellas. While I did it. After all the talk, I finally shaved. Here is the scenario:

-New Dovo 6/8 Bismarck. Razor was honed upon purchase here in Los Angeles at Ross Cutlery. Incidentally, Alan Ross is a personal friend of Lynn Abrams and actually hones razors for him.

-Dovo boars hair brush.

-Glycerin soap in a scuttle

-alum block(don't really know how to use as no instructions were provided.

-syptic pencil

-Dovo strop, Russian leather, extra wide

I watched the Lynn Abrams free video first. The 13 minute one on Google. Then I went for it.

Suprizingly enough, it wasn't bad and I did not have to medevac to the hospital due to loss of blood. However, I need help on the chin and neck as they are not as smooth as the cheeks. Any advice? Also, I was wary when I had to change hands. Maybe I was just nervous.

After the shave skin was hot. How do I use the alum block. Do I even need one. Do I still need to use aftershave balm or is it over kill? Can anyone recommend a balm?

Do I strop before and after every shave. I noticed strops that have a linen side. Mine does not. Do I need to purchase one?

What do I do to the brush before and after use?



Help......

Thanks
Al in Cal:

shrug: