1st straight razor shave was a total success!!!

First, thanks to everyone who replied to my first post http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...pen-today.html earlier today!

I have to admit something from the get-go I shaved my whole face!!! I know I know but everything felt just right and since I felt comfortable I figured I'll keep taking my time and go until I feel like things could go wrong.

Only one tiny nick occurred while shaving my upper lip: nicked the inside corner of my nose and lip. The small amount of bleeding stopped with cold water.

I only did one pass WTG and the results are wonderful. It feels smooth and tacky going WTG and only a little sandy going ATG.

The Ralf Aust 6/8 spanish point from SRD was superb and I used it as it was sent to me. I did not Pre-Strop. Thanks Don and Lynn @ SRD.

I used my right hand for the right side and left hand for left. Interestingly, I found shaving with the left hand to be more fluid and smoother even thought I'm right hand dominant. I began contemplating this after my shave and came to the conclusion that, since more focus was required to use my left hand, the motions were slower and more deliberate. My right hand was almost in a battle with my brain for control while my left just simply followed orders!

I will continue doing single pass WTG shaves for a while until things feel second nature then XTG or ATG will follow.

Congratulations! I'm very glad it worked out for you. As a fellow newb, I'm learning from this forum every day. I, too have a R. Aust 6/8, as well as a 5/8. The 6/8 has been my favorite, but today I used the 5/8 and had a great shave. I am, however, VERY slow. I concentrate on doing each step well and repeatably and have made consistent (almost) progress. Every once in a while I have an inexplicable bad day shaving. I'm sampling soaps, so I think that is part of the issue on bad days, and I've made mental notes on which ones were associated with my worse shaves.

Anyway, enjoy yourself going on from today, and keep us posted.

Congratulations

Jonathan

Great job! I shaved with the grain, across the grain and against the grain the first time round and it went fine. (but I shaved with a shavette for a while) I guess it differs from person to person how to approach the first shave with a straight razor.

Take caution at all times, but don't get too scared... its actually quite easy as long as you keep the right angle... there is not much that can go wrong. Some people tend to over-analyze things, making it sound/look more difficult than it actually is. Of course its better be safe than sorry. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fort

I have to admit something from the get-go I shaved my whole face!!! I know I know but everything felt just right and since I felt comfortable I figured I'll keep taking my time and go until I feel like things could go wrong.

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I did it for my first 5 shaves, but am having some issues I need to work out, so I'll see how tomorrow goes.

Great to hear, Fort.