1st and 2nd shaves done, absolutely converted to SR shaving

Okay, so I decided to try out SR shaving. Bought a razor off of ebay (after lots of reading here, and made sure that it is "shave ready"), and got all my soaps and styptic pencil and alum block etc ready. made sure the boys are playing outside and the wife watching her favourite TV program.

Started off, got small nick with my first attempt, as I did not have the whole blade squary on my face, thus more pressure on the toe. REalized my mistake and then went on and shaved my whole face from there (been doing DE for a while now). Was okay, not as smooth as DE, but passable for first try.

Yesterday 2nd shave. Immediately felt more comfortable with razor in hand, shaving went very well. Small nick on chin (involuntarily movement of chin, just as I started to shave there, barely nicked the skin. Went WTG, XTG and ATG. All went very smooth. Very pleased with myself.

Still concentrating very much on angles etc. All areas are okay, to shave the chin is still a challenge, but I will get there.

For interest sake, when you do ATG pass on the cheek, do you switch hands (left hand for right cheek etc) or still R-hand for R-cheek?

Thanks for a great forum, I am converted to SR shaving! Awesome way to shave

I generally switch hands, it is more comfortable for me. But, I've tried both and there's something to be said for each.

I also switch hands,just do what works for you.:D

I agree. I switched hands and it worked excellent!

I also switch, but if you feel comfortable in certain areas, I, also, will revert to my right hand for a certain area if I feel like it. I'm right hand dominant.

Also, keep in mind that if you ever feel like you're pushing it or an area(say, like the chin) is too difficult, there is no shame in picking up the cartridge disposable to go over an area.

You're going to hear and there are stickies that you should read, that beginners should only do WTG passes for xxx long. Yeah, I bypassed that as well. There are a lot of variables that go into a good shave and bungling any one thing(like poor stropping, poor pre-shave prep, etc.) can lead to a poor shave. That's why the curve to learning SR shaving can be steep. Take every lesson, particularly, setbacks as a positive lesson and you'll be the master of your blade and beard in no time.

Welcome!

I'm fairly gumby with the blade in my left my left hand so tend to use only my right hand 90% of the time
I only use the left hand on weekends when I have more time to for learning to control it
but that is just me & I think the majority from what I read are ambidextrous with the blade?

I am still fairly new (7-8 months or so) but I switched hands from day 1. I figured that if I was going to learn something new I should learn it properly from the beginning so as not to develop any bad habits that i'd have to 'unlearn' later. Sounds like you're on the right track!! I'm with you as far as the SR shaving conversion goes. Can't imagine going back!!

Chris

It sounds like you are doing a fine job. On day 1 of straights I used both hands. there is no set rules only what works well for you. I use the right hand for the right cheek if I am pulling from nose to ear but use the left hand if I am pulling from ear to nose. It will depend on how your hair grows. My beard needs both moves when I do the XTG stroke. As far as the chin I have had trouble with it myself. It will come with time and nothing to worry about. use your alum block on your fingers to get a good grip on the skin around your chin, pull it tight and take your time.

Thanks for the advice guys! Really appreciate it

Have a great day! Cant wait, shave time again tonight!

Okay, so a couple of shaves done. I must say, its nice to hear the sound when you shave with a full hollow, however, I prefer the weight of the half or quarter hollow. I dont know, just feels like it shaves smoother. Again, YMMV.

And did not draw any blood the last 2 shaves, so for me, that is awesome. Still learning, every time I shave I try to perfect technique. The one day, it is pretty close to BBS, the next time, it is not so smooth. So, no time to be lax, every shave is awesome and I aim to make the next shave better than the previous one

Thanks for this great forum to teach a newbie like me.

ATG, I switch hands...right hand for left side, left hand for right side.
Your progress is amazing! Kudos!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ColonelG

ATG, I switch hands...right hand for left side, left hand for right side.
Your progress is amazing! Kudos!

---

Thank you very much

Yes, I also switch hands when going ATG. Thanks for confirming!

Okay, so I have been doing this a couple of weeks now.

Just loves it. No nicks since the 2 first shaves, so I am very chuffed with myself! Alum block also not stinging anymore, so I think I am getting the angle and pressure right. Also, have discovered that strecthing the skin is a major part of shaving, when you dont stretch, your skin bunches up, which then can cause a cut.

Yesterday shaved the first time in a week. Awesome to hear the full hollow popping hairs, BBS this morning still, after I shaved last night. Getting the ATG now very good, as mentioned, stretching very important in that area.

Thanks Gents, appreciate all the help, and I do believe I am well on my way to a good shave every 2nd day!

Wow, if you are getting BBS already then you are doing really well. Nice work!

Yes on stretching skin. The comb on the DE does that for you. figgering out how to taughtify each section and make the best stroke is part of the learning curve.

As far as ATG, I don't even try that in many places. If I can get a decent XTG on any given spot, it's pretty well done. But then I'm just now learning to get my blades properly super sharp. They had been only super enough sharp.

Hey and never hesitate to "fall back" to the DE when you can't focus on the shave properly. I mixed 'em up for many months.