Thread: First Shave!!! Well, first shave attempt if I am being honest...

So tonight I attempted my first SR shave and I must say, I was really nervous!!! I figured I would share my experience here with you all, for better or worse...

First thing, I bought a vintage Bismarck razor and honed it myself. I will say that I didn't do too bad a job sharpening. I have good stones, strop, etc already as I am a handtool only woodworker, so I felt pretty comfortable just working it out slowly. Once finished, I had no problems popping hair with no effort or pull...

I took a nice hot shower and then even hot toweled one more time before I pulled out the Dr Harris Arlington shave soap and badger hair brush I picked up earlier today and had no trouble whipping up a nice frothy mixture. Next I started on the left side from the top of my sideburn and down. I took my time and inched along and was pleased to see my stubble disappearing without issue. I did start to have trouble along my chin line. It seemed I just couldn't attack it from an angle I felt overly comfortable with. At this point I resigned myself to the fact I would be finishing up with my old fusion so I figured I would just move down to my neck more, and again it seemed to go much easier again. Tried my upper lip a bit and while I was able to get some results, it wasn't stellar. The chin was tough and I gave up on that for the moment.

Now the OMG moment...

For some reason I never clued into the fact that my blind right eye would surely cause me some sighting issues, but when I started trying to shave my right cheek, I realized quickly that I would need to rethink my approach. After a bit of experimenting with grip and switching hands a couple times, I was able to get some results, but MAN it was a lot tougher than dealing with the left side!

In the end, I ended up somewhat successfully shaving my left and right sideburns/cheeks, and my neck on the left side and some of my neck on the right side. Begrudgingly I finished with my old fusion. That said, even though I have identified a pile of issues such as grip, sight line because of my blind eye, angle and technique, and overall nervousness/razor respect, I am pleased to say I never cut myself nor did I frustrate myself to the point of not wanting to continue down the straight razor road. I know I will get it figured out with more practice and can't wait to try again!

Anyways, I am not much of a story teller, but there is my story anyways. I hope it might encourage someone who like me was maybe sitting on the fence and is a bit nervous about jumping in... I made it out alive!!!

Time my friend, patience will persevere.
You did well and did more than many on your first run.
Enjoy it for what it was, develop your technique over a time frame that works for you.

Welcome aboard

Glad to hear things went well. Nothing wrong with using a fusion for the touch ups. I keep a Gillette Double Edge on a shelf just in case. My philosophy is comfort over closeness

And welcome aboard.

Cool. I read that back in the day dads would have their kids learn how to shave without a mirror. So that's with one eye less than you were using!

Sounds like you did a pretty decent job of honing. I think you did well especially considering the sight issue. The chin and throat just below it are the hardest part for me and it just takes time and experimentation to work out what works for you. Hope you stay with it and get it all figured out.

Bob

More mirrors might make manouvering more manageable.
Sorry terrible alliteration, I seem to be busting them out all over the place.
Sounds like you did a good job, and importantly recognised when to stop. I am glad it went well, and thanks for sharing.
All the best ed.

Originally Posted by bobbybirds

So tonight I attempted my first SR shave and I must say, I was really nervous!!! I figured I would share my experience here with you all, for better or worse...

Great job.
Was it a With The Grain pass or what?

Originally Posted by Siguy

Great job.
Was it a With The Grain pass or what?

Yes, most definitely with the grain. I wasn't quite brave enough to go against just yet! Haha!

Sounds like you had a great ride. Chins are always an issue in the early days but you'll work it out.