First shave done.

Well, I got through my first a slight nick and a few questions. I took my time and generally am pleased. First of all the nick, below my ear, on the back side of my jaw, a tough spot to shave. I just caught the tip on my neck. Any suggestions for getting into the "hollow" between the jaw and neck? I also had a tough time on my chin, almost as if the blade didn't want to cut, it kind of wanted to skip along. Perhaps I didn't strop the blade up enough before starting this first shave? Tomorrow is a new day!

Was your razor honed before you got it? If so you should not strop it before your first shave. Does your razor have a rounded or pointed toe? Pointed can be a little treacherous in certain spots. Stretch your skin to help smooth out the hollow between your jaw bone and neck. Chins are always a challenge initially but with a little effort you'll get there. Keep watching the videos and pay particular attention the how they cover the chin.

+1 to Brenngun's advice. Also, don't forget that it's perfectly fine (and usually advisable) to stick to the easier bits until you get a better feel for the blade, pressure, angles, etc. However, it is your face, so proceed as you see fit. :)

You can try stretching the skin either up onto the jaw or down away from the jaw to allow a flatter easier pass. The closer you can position your fingers to the area to be shaved the better, so long as the fingers don't get in the way.

For learning to shave a round point, heavily muted square point, or lightly muted square point are good choices. I didn't start using an un-muted square point for about a year into learning to use a straight, and still got several cuts while adjusting my technique.

Jonathan

Day two went smoother, figuratively and literally! Hollow of the neck under my ears is still challenging but a bit better today. I really struggle with the first "row" of whiskers at the margin of my lower lip. The razor seems to bite into them and pulls my lip out. Learned that I need to refresh the lather constantly. Every time I pause to clean off the razor it is time to reapply! I am sure it has to do with our non-existent humidity (15% now and it will get down to single digits soon).

I am using a new Dovo Bismark, round point.

I stretch my lower lip over my teeth to make that area more stable. As you learn how to shave you should find yourself trying various facial expressions to get different areas to behave just right.

Have fun making faces at yourself.

Jonathan

Half a dozen shaves down. Somethings changed, some remain the same.
-I switched to C.O. Bigelow shave cream (Bath and bodyworks Made by Proraso) that got rid of the painful burning that my "beginners kit" soap caused on application.
- I started using Nivea sensitive skin shave balm to soothe my face on my razor burn shave days (those are still the majority).
- I have a string of nick free days now but have a consistent weeper. Do other men have those?
- Stropping seems to be better with the strop laying on the table rather than hanging. Thinking a paddle strop or just hang in with the table for a while?
- Weak hand, hollow of neck is my biggest challenge area. I can't seem to find the stroke that gets there. Afraid a north to south will catch the point on my neck (did that first/third shave on strong side, biggest nick so far) and I can't negotiate the curve at a shallow angle.

Congrats! You can also do what I did in the beginning and use a DE on the tough spots on till you learn the technique that works best for you. You could also try a 5/8 or smaller razor in those spots.

I am feeling better about my shaves but having trouble with the sides of my chin, essentially just below and slightly outside the corners of my mouth. I shave there seemingly with the same pressure and angle but it never seems as close as the rest of my face. This after WTG and XTG. I went back over it this morning when after wiping down I could still see stubble. I used more pressure but now feeling a bit of burn for my efforts.

I've been finding that more pressure == more razor burn. I would rather make a pass or two at an angle of less resistance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Siguy

I've been finding that more pressure == more razor burn. I would rather make a pass or two at an angle of less resistance.

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+1 to that. It's counter-intuitive, but *less* pressure is better. More pressure will increase razor burn as well as your chance of cutting yourself. Play around with your angles and the direction you're coming at it. It will get better, so be patient. :)

EDIT: also try stretching your skin in different directions. That can often make a heck of a difference.

The chin is also a challenge for me. I have since used the hot towel method prior to shaving, it has made a huge difference, it really softens the chin stubble.

Yeah I got that lesson early. My problem is that the two or three passes are not doing the job.