A Beginner's Shaving Journal
Well, that was interesting. I got my Ralf Aust 5/8 in the mail today from Lynn. I was so excited, I just had to try. I lathered up my brand new mama bear soap (Spellbound woods), and went to work. Here is how I did.
Lather: C- -- I've read up a lot about straight razor shaving and I realize lathering is something that will come with time. I don't think I used enough water because the soap kept drying on my face. However, spellbound woods is an amazing scent that I can't stop smelling.
Nerves: A- -- I actually was not as nervous as I thought I would be holding a blade to my face. I wasn't worried about cutting myself, I just tried to get a feel for the razor and shaved. I wasn't confident (or stupid?) enough to do all of my face. I did from sideburn down to jawline on both sides, and finished with my old cartridge shaver.
Shave Results: C -- I think a big reason this didn't work very well was my lather was not great. However, my strokes seemed relatively steady, both right and left hand, and it kind of worked. Definitely not a very close shave, even after going over it a few times. I'm going to practice lathering a few times before I shave again. Here's to hoping. There were no nicks or cuts, so I guess that is a positive. Still plenty of room for improvement.
Stropping: ? -- I've seen Lynn's videos and many others on youtube. I think I am stropping correctly. The sound is not what I expected, but I think the brand new strop might be the cause of that. I really don't know for sure if I am stropping well, but I think I am. I stropped ~25 laps before and 25 laps after. Is that enough?
Overall: I'm just happy I didn't cut myself. I can't wait to do it again. Are there any supplements out there to make my beard grow faster :hmmm: (Just kidding)? I just want to thank this board. I did a ton of lurking before I finally decided to take the jump. I probably would be lying in my bathroom in a pool of blood if it wasn't for your advice. I might keep a little log of my first few shaves on this thread, so you guys can remember how it felt to be a clumsy idiot rubbing a blade across his face, praying that it caught a few hairs haha.
FutureDoc