Thread: My first shave

Had my first shave today,

not too bad in the sense I'm not cut to shreds, but could of gone better. The brush I ordered hasn't come yet so I nipped to town and bought this body make up brush as a replacement. Man was that thing useless so in the end i basically shaved with what felt like nothing on.

What should I do while I wait for my brush do you think, wait or just use gel?

Also, my blade felt like it was dragging in the hairs, is this because of the poor lather(or lack of it), poor technique or blade not shave ready?

Finally, I struggled a bit with my left hand and couldn't trust myself to do the intricate bits around neck so got old cartridge out to finish up, should I persevere slowly or try to use right?

For the brush most pharmacies sell cheap brushes that would see you through. Whether the blade is shave ready depends on where you got it from. Yes the lack of lather and poor technique probably didn't help. The left hand will take time to get used to and finishing with another razor is common practice at the start as it will take time to become proficient enough to be able to do a full shave properly. The neck is a problem area for many at the start. Good luck. Ed

For a brush you might try target or walgreens. I actually found a nice one at target. I don't use my left hand. I was a bit nervous at first and taught myself to use my right hand only. Seems to work for me. Don't rush. Have fun. I will suggest getting yourself a scuttle. I really like the warm lather and the larger bowl seems to make just the right amount for 3 passes.
Happy shaves,
Scott

If you're using a cream you could probably face lather with your hands until your brush arrives to avoid the expense of another brush you'll likely not use.

Just went to the same shop I went to yesterday to get some other stuff and found a bloody shaving brush there, so didn't need to bother with the crap make-up thing. Also picked up some shaving cream to try.
Hoping this be a better substitute till my badger brush comes.
Here's looking forward to my next shave, never before have I wanted my facial hair to grow fast.

I had the same problem with wanting my hair to grow faster so i could practice more but that will pass as you get better with the straight and fall into a routine, its still nice getting some time alone to shave but its nice to feel how smoothe your face is most of the day after a great shave

Just out of curiosity, would a regular (shower) soap do the trick? It may not lather as much but you still get the protection. I myself haven't tried it myself but I never ran out of shaving cream/soap either.

I did read somewhere that someone had tried it with dove soap and it worked pretty well.

Update on my time though:

Had second shave today, used cream and actual shaving brush and was very happy with the lather I got, did the full 3 passes too and am now feeling smooth, though I am still not comfortable with my left hand around the neck/jawline.