Thread: First Post, First Shave, Lots of Questions.

Try again and let us know the results.

Thanks ace, I dont expect good results either, I know its going to take time. Just concerned if Im giving myself a starting chance.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Didja get a good feeling about stropping that razor along the way by any chance? I manged some pretty raggedy stropping for a while and it probably didn't make my razor shave any better...

I did give it a very light stropping just to get a feel but didnt put too much into it since the seller said it had already been stropped.

Ok, since the forum shrinks my pics I will just add links to see them full size.

Clifford HDWE Barbers Pride
Geneva Cutlery
JR Torrey
Genco Master Barber
Robert Klaas Crane Brand

The Barber's Pride looks a little rough and needs a bit more work, but the rest just need Light Cleaning and Honing IMHO the Torrey might need a touch more depending on the corrosion at the bevel

All of them have nice light hone wear and no glaring issues

Hi LFS, I am a few months in and starting to get reasonably consistent, reasonably good shaves. My first several attempts were pretty abysmal, and didn't improve a great deal for some time.
My main improvements happened after I started messaging a mentor, a few days of this really helped, I wrote what I had done, which helped me see what I had omitted, and got some really good advice back.
I also find freshly honed razors can be a touch harsh at first, so that may be having an impact.
It is worth looking through some of the other beginners threads, most of them contain similar info, which will probably be the same as what you will end up getting anyway.
My advice is prep well, stretch well, stop when you are not comfortable, don't rush, don't rush a bit more, change one thing at a time.
All the best
Ed.

Thanks Ed, so you also experienced tugging, pulling and an overall terrible uncomfortable first shave even with a shave ready razor?

Originally Posted by LionFishSlayer

Thanks Ed, so you also experienced tugging, pulling and an overall terrible uncomfortable first shave even with a shave ready razor?

It wasn't great from what I remember, there would definately have been a bit of all of the above, how does your face feel, mine was really sore. I would really advise giving your face a rest, you are still allowed to use whatever you used to use before you were using a straight.
I also started cold water shaving, I found it a lot more comfortable. I was also recommended vitamin e cream, it helps with skin healing. If it is any consolation my face is a bit tender and I shaved about 4 1/2 hours ago, though I did refresh my razor yesterday, and as I said I find freshly honed edges a bit harsh.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

It wasn't great from what I remember, there would definately have been a bit of all of the above, how does your face feel, mine was really sore. I would really advise giving your face a rest, you are still allowed to use whatever you used to use before you were using a straight.
I also started cold water shaving, I found it a lot more comfortable. I was also recommended vitamin e cream, it helps with skin healing. If it is any consolation my face is a bit tender and I shaved about 4 1/2 hours ago, though I did refresh my razor yesterday, and as I said I find freshly honed edges a bit harsh.

After reading several posts my first try was with cold water as well. Maybe I will try hot next time. My face felt like I took sandpaper to it after I was finished but feels fine now. So if freshly hones edges are harsh does that mean that the razor gets better as it "dulls" ? Or does the edge just smooth out with use?

Originally Posted by LionFishSlayer

After reading several posts my first try was with cold water as well. Maybe I will try hot next time. My face felt like I took sandpaper to it after I was finished but feels fine now. So if freshly hones edges are harsh does that mean that the razor gets better as it "dulls" ? Or does the edge just smooth out with use?

This is only my opinion, though I have heard it from at least one more experienced member too. I am honestly not sure exactly why, but I THINK that the edge just mellows a bit, probably looses a bit of its sharp, but the stropping will smooth it a bit. I have found that it takes about 5 shaves.
Disclaimer, I am still new to this myself, and have very limited experience.
I wouldn't worry too much until you have a few shaves under your belt.
Have you mapped out the directions your beard grows in? I can almost gaurantee it won't be straight up and down, and it will probably change direction several times. My cheeks grow in 2 slightly different directions, my chin in 3 directions, my upper lip in 2 directions my neck predominately in one direction which is top left to bottom right. Once you know that you can work out the best ways to stretch your skin. Pulling the skin in the opposite direction to that in which the hair grows will make it stand up, thus easier to cut. Also taught skin tends to cause less irritation.
Though I will warn you some of the contortions I end up doing as a left hand only shaver make me look a bit silly.