Thread: First shave!

Gents, the razor came last night, and so I did my first shave this morning. I started with the advice to just do the sideburns. That went well, so I went and did the whole shave. I've got a goatie, so I'm just shaving where that's not.

Some observations.

First, if I cut myself, it will likely happen as a result of adjusting the presentation of blade to face while using the mirror. Or from running a finger over the blade while trying to get a grip. Yeesh...this thing is sharp.

Second, it does a decent job, but at this point not better than my disposable. With the disposable, I aggressively scrub against the grain. Today, I did try a little of both xtg and atg...but gingerely and tentatively. Just like with the disposable, I'm still rough in that triangle formed by the Jawline tapering down do the base of the larynx. I'm really hoping a straight will make this better, and although still rough it is somewhat improved. I'll tell you, cutting atg on the 'throat' focuses ones attention.

Third, when you say the straight 'exfoliates', you aren't kidding! My wife noticed that.

I have a beard that needs aggressive against the grain treatment, so I'll have to learn that.

This razor I bought 'shave ready', so tomorrow and onward I learn to strop.

Sounds like you are up and running, take your time with the stropping,
I would reconsider the thought pattern of "I have a beard that needs aggressive against the grain treatment"
On my water only touch up pass I will use a light buffing motion against the grain in a few spots but that is as aggressive as I get.

Enjoy the journey jg!

Originally Posted by pfries

Sounds like you are up and running, take your time with the stropping,
I would reconsider the thought pattern of "I have a beard that needs aggressive against the grain treatment"
On my water only touch up pass I will use a light buffing motion against the grain in a few spots but that is as aggressive as I get.

Enjoy the journey jg!

Yes...I'm hoping that the "aggressive treatment" is something the straight will solve.

I am about 2 weeks into straight razor shaving and your first experience sounds similar to mine. My first day got the job done but was not comfortable (all technique I think). Day two the result was an acceptable shave but had about the level of irritation that I get when a cartridge needs to be replaced but I am trying to not spend more money on replacements. I think this was a combination of angle not right but better than day 1 and 2 days in a row of exfoliation that my face was not used to. Day 3 only part of my neck had irritation due to that area having odd growing pattern where something is always against the grain. My face did feel better. Have been doing only WTG to get the technique proper first. No more irritation and shave is about the same as a new cartridge, basically acceptable at this point. This weekend I am going to try for ATG for a closer shave when I have time to do it properly.

Originally Posted by ericd

I am about 2 weeks into straight razor shaving and your first experience sounds similar to mine. My first day got the job done but was not comfortable (all technique I think). Day two the result was an acceptable shave but had about the level of irritation that I get when a cartridge needs to be replaced but I am trying to not spend more money on replacements. I think this was a combination of angle not right but better than day 1 and 2 days in a row of exfoliation that my face was not used to. Day 3 only part of my neck had irritation due to that area having odd growing pattern where something is always against the grain. My face did feel better. Have been doing only WTG to get the technique proper first. No more irritation and shave is about the same as a new cartridge, basically acceptable at this point. This weekend I am going to try for ATG for a closer shave when I have time to do it properly.

I'd try XTG first. In fact, that is all I do above my jawline, and I get BBS. Touchups are done sans lather, using water only. Good luck.

How do you guys handle that hollow created by the neck muscle on one side and the trachea on the other?

Originally Posted by jgjgjg

How do you guys handle that hollow created by the neck muscle on one side and the trachea on the other?

I tip my head back and to the side opposite the side I am going to shave, stretch the skin to the side opposite of the way I am facing, I use just the heel of the razor in that area for the ATG pass.
As always YMMV

When you mention aggressive atg with a disposable it usually means pressure. You don't use pressure with a straight. You wipe the lather off only. The blade and angle do the cutting and pressure equals burn and nicks. A Sr will exfoliate but it is meant to be a light action.

You will learn there are many way to hold it and use it. It won't happen overnight but before you know it you will be very proficient. The more you use it the better you will get with it.

Originally Posted by pfries

I tip my head back and to the side opposite the side I am going to shave, stretch the skin to the side opposite of the way I am facing, I use just the heel of the razor in that area for the ATG pass.
As always YMMV

Ah, okay, so you pull the skin over the muscle making it more prominent.