Thread: Advice to newbies- listen to the advice!

I have been shaving with a straight for a little over a month. When I first started I was very confident in my ability and still am; however, much to most of all of the advice given by seasoned members here is very very good advice. I experienced many of the trials and tribulations foretold to me by senior members.

But, for the last month I have only shaved with a straight razor and nothing else. I rushed going against the grain (ATG). I nicked my strop. I dropped my first razor. But the worst "best" of all is, I have become addicted to shaving with and obtaining straight razors.

So I will share something I have learned and this technique will depend on your beard. Only shave with the grain (WTG) for a while. Doing so will not give a baby smooth shave (my opinion) but it will likely require shaving daily to maintain it. If you can live with the shave acquired from this, you will be forced to quickly develop your other skills such as: stropping, lather building, razor handling, ect. I experience zero irritation when only shaving WTG and I get to shave every day. I do get a great shave when shave ATG, but with it comes irritation. My beard isn't as thick as some and I can go every other day or more after an ATG shave.

I think if you set this plane it will take out uncertainties and build confidence. Shaving WTG can produce a good shave (depending on your beard type though) that is acceptable for professional settings too.

This forum is really a one-stop for anything related to straight razor shaving, and I have learned so much here in only a month. We are fortunate to have so many willing to share their knowledge.