Thread: My disastrous first shave.

Yikes, that's as bad a first outing as you can get. Onwards and upwards mattabaum!

As for the blade, perhaps post a picture so we can see what the nick is all about? I think most of us would suggest holding off shaving with it until it's properly repaired - nothing like a nick in a blade to ruin your face! If there's a visible nick, you can bet the edge will need a good honing to get it properly shave ready again. It will be worth it - persistence and patience are my words of advice.

The damage is very small and would most likely not appear in a picture. This is why I thought it might be ok to use.

Originally Posted by mattabaum

The damage is very small and would most likely not appear in a picture. This is why I thought it might be ok to use.

NO NO NO NO do not use a blade with damage. Post where you are from and see if a forum member can help you out. When we hone (sharpen) SR's we are looking through a magnifier to see what the naked eye can't to make sure there are no imperfections. It's rare to drop a razor and not damage it because they usually hit hard stuff on the way down.

If you're in a hurry to get back shaving buy another razor. There are plenty of solid places to but an inexpensive quality shave ready razor. I can't recommend enough to study the videos for instruction. It will get better but you need to do your part.

I am from a town called Berne Indiana. I doubt any members are near by. Surrounding towns and cities are Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Muncie.

Originally Posted by mattabaum

I am from a town called Berne Indiana. I doubt any members are near by. Surrounding towns and cities are Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Muncie.

I bet there is....

First I would find someone to look at the blade, while it is gone break out the fusion and learn how the brush and lather work together to get good lather. Also get some practice with dull razor shaped objects on the strop to get some muscle memory. Watch more videos.

There are probably a few people in your area, here's a members link that lists Indiana as their location http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order= Senior members and ones listed as mentors will for sure help you out.

Also know that this is bar none the best site for learning how to straight shave, and your next shave will be better (couldn't be worse unless you died trying!)

That's some first shave. Lots of good advice already given. Don't use it with damage of any kind. You won't enjoy the results. Get the blade honed again. Also you may want to make sure you're wearing shoes for shave #2. Just a thought.

Interesting comment about the magnifying glass. Do others do this to inspect their blades after honing or stropping?

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Interesting comment about the magnifying glass. Do others do this to inspect their blades after honing or stropping?

A loupe is useful for honing, loupes are what jewellers etc use, they are small powerful maginifiers. There are very cheap combined 30x/60x ones with led lights on the bay. They are fun just for looking at stuff up close too.

Paddle strops as I understand it remove the issue of correct strop tension, and can be used anywhere, such as in front of the telly etc. I have only used hanging strops and haven't had any trouble.

Thanks (again) Ed. Andrew