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?

Like Carl said, just chill a bit, I was really obsessive about 3 passes plus and getting really as smooth as possible, the end result was a smooth but very tender face. I now just do between one or two passes snd live with the results, I may not be smooth but I can allow air to touch my face without wincing.

Does your skin toughen up? My skin is do sensitive now that I can feel my beard growing and it's not pleasant.

Yeah, your skin will feel really raw at first; remember with a straight you're removing skin. I suggest you TRY and give yourself a break when starting out with a straight, I say TRY as we all get excited and want to shave every day; or even twice a day at first!

BTW, don't try and go ATG too early and don't get obsessive about the hollows of the neck too early. Working out how to get in to those hollows (and working out which way the hair grows there) takes some time. I really do find it easier to cut myself when I go ATG, and of course, I know you probably already know this, but there is NO such thing a aggressive ATG with a straight; unless you like the sight of blood.

'Pain is just weakness leaving the body'. Once the scar tissue sets up, you'll be ok.