Thread: 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