Thread: First Shave

Excellent shave last night. Changed prep a little working with making the lather on my face versus in the cup. After some excellent pointers from other members about how to make lather on the face, I went ahead and executed, with positive results. I won't swear to it yet, but I think it actually saved time, although I know that is not the point. But then again, my shaves are still taking at least an hour, if not longer. Another reason I shave at night.

The strokes were all similiar to before, still having a heck of a time with the chin, trying to work all the angles properly so I will have less of problem in the future. I am just trying to slowly take my time, and I usually lather and shave the chin area 4 - 5 time with all the passes I have to to get everything, not that the razor is dull, just that I usually find that I miss large patches, re-lather the whole chin, and start near the area I missed. Takes a lot of time.

The neck is getting better, but still hates me for going against the grain. Any ideas for a sidestroke on the neck, anyone?

Some shavers report having good results by lowering the angle of the razor when going ATG on the neck. You will have the razor nearly flat (edge to spine) on your neck to help catch those hairs that lie along the skin instead of standing up.

When I use side strokes, I tend to get as much as possible with the back part of the blade (nearest) the shank/tang while holding the tip out and away from my face. This helps me with control of the edge, and keeps the spike (on some of my razors) from accidentally digging in. The strokes aren't always exactly sideways, but tend to be at angles (from my chin to each lower side of the neck).

Originally Posted by jimmyman

The neck is getting better, but still hates me for going against the grain. Any ideas for a sidestroke on the neck, anyone?

Self referential.

X

After two weeks of shaving with a straight razor I can honestly say that I am pretty much hooked. Not RAS type addiction yet, although I won't deny the surreptitious looks at the internet sites, prowling through the darkest internet alleys finding items related to SR's (I got twenty bucks man, whatchoo got for twenty). The difference is I am not in denial (yet) and I haven't spent an extraordinary amount of money (yet). So far I am content with what I have on my plate. From the first to the one last night, each of them has been a joy instead of a chore, depsite the rather large amount of time I had to dedicate to this every night before, during, and afterwards. I was pleasantly surprised that the large majority of my shaves would last almost until 5 pm the next day, which was welcome indeed.

The biggest things I have learned over the last two weeks seemed to be the most obvious, but they are definetly the things one must learn, and cannot be taught. Patience was one, taking my proverbial sweet time with every stroke or set of strokes on the face and neck. Focus was another, simply paying attention to the task at hand and not letting my mind wander. The amount of pressure was something that I really needed to pay attention to and sometimes, my skin reminds me when I put too much by spontaneously breaking into a red river. Well it's not that bad literally, but then again, the mind will wander.

The stropping I am still having some problems with, but I think that is mostly my technique, which I am still trying to perfect on my 3" TI duoble sided paddle strop. One of the things that seems to help is just holding it by the scales, but then again, I might be wrong. I don't know but I really think the strop just hates me. Yeah, I really mean that...

The lathering went from in the cup to on my face, and I think I prefer the face method, seems to work the lather into the beard more. Still need to do some experimentation in this area, but we will see how it goes. Tabac is nice and so is Mama Bear Eucalyptus (EO), both give great lathers.

The neck and chin are slowly giving away their secrets to me, the chin almost conquered and the neck is still throwing out boiling oil and racheting up the drawbridge, but no worries, I have the trebuchet sharpened and ready to go. The only real problem lately is some of the same patches on the neck for ATG. Same sides of neck, same patches, same resistance. Mostly taken care of when I lower the spine and use a more shallow angle. Annoying, but time is on my side. Will try some oblique strokes over the next week.

The GFT skin food is wonderful for my face, soothing and refreshing, keeping the skin in great condition.

I am still learning a little more about my face and the direction of hair growth every time I shave, and I still find it interesting to work with the angles, get them right on the money and stretch the skin juuuuuuust the rigth way, and then BAM - GOT YOU HAIR, WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THAT - IN YOUR FACE, SUCKA!!!! The roommates still don't get it...

Ah yes, a Pyrrhic victory over the facial hair, but satisfying nonetheless.

Aww man -- sounds good! You're right too, one has to learn this stuff from firsthand experience (though the coaching from this fine forum definitely helps!). Glad to read that things are clicking for you now.