Thread: the fist shave

OP sounds like your off to a good start. You will need to get comfortable with your left hand but it will come in time. Start with the sideburns to the jaw line as that is the easiest. Avoid getting over confident it leads to blood.

What amazes me is the variety of angles to effectly get a smooth shave. Then there is the pressure issue, less is better. Last night I re-honed a 4/8 W&B blade because I found a small nick in it once I found my loupe my better half hid on me. WOW was it an awesome shave today. Three passes very light pressure plus the usual clean up in the trouble areas. Very smooth edge just like a hot knife thru butter.

When your edge is right you'll know it.

Congrats sounds like you done alright for the first time. It will continue to get better and one out of the blue the stinging will be gone. Be sure to stay aware of how much pressure you are applying, let the razor do the work it doesn't take much pressure.

Keep at it.

I'll post a small update
I've send my razor to Dimitry, who has it now. He told me the razor was rather sharp and ony needed a bit of honing.
So it is certain the cut wasn't caused by a dull razor but it was a dull mind
The cut is positioned between my lower lip and chin, the skin was stretched, so I'm guessing it's too much pressure on the blade.
Now I'm waiting for my razor to return and cut to heal, so I can give it another try.

When I've got more news, I'll be back

Originally Posted by Yves81

I'll post a small update
I've send my razor to Dimitry, who has it now. He told me the razor was rather sharp and ony needed a bit of honing.
So it is certain the cut wasn't caused by a dull razor but it was a dull mind
The cut is positioned between my lower lip and chin, the skin was stretched, so I'm guessing it's too much pressure on the blade.
Now I'm waiting for my razor to return and cut to heal, so I can give it another try.

When I've got more news, I'll be back

....or too harsh an angle, especially in that chine area. I read when I first joined the forum that in that and the chine area, some people move their face as well as the razor. I thought that was crazy, but now find myself doing it almost unconsciously.

or any lateral motion. that's 90% of how i cut me.

Hey speaking of moving a face, while a barber has to stretch the customer skin all around with his fingers, a self-shaver gets to use other tricks.

And whilst i generally don't care to watch other guys stretch and pull and maneuver their beards under the razor, I did happen to watch a fellow (youtube) the other day and picked up a new-to-me trick.

Roughly 100 years ago, my Dad told me about "puffing" out cheeks for shaving. Then a few days ago, i see dude using his tongue to push out the creases around his mouth. And now "tongue-in-cheek" is a real handy dandy tool I use. Everyone develops his own strokes and "tugs". Taught skin is everythin. *

(given a sharp instrument, and good prep)

Yes and focus on removing the lather, nothing more. If the lather is gone, don't go over the area again until it's re-lathered. This is a good rule for beginners. No rush.

cheers.

*and this is why kids are fascinated...it's the faces we make!

I would do basic movements until your comfortable and confident with the razor. Then, move on to the "against the grain" hard to reach spots.

~Tall Guy