Thread: Last advice before my first shavette shave?

I'm using a straight razor with a replaceable blade (this is going to be my first straight razor shave). I was wondering if there is any last advice from anyone. I watched some video's of the guy who owns this forum on youtube and I think I got the trick down. By the way do I put water on the blade after each stroke or just wipe it on the towel and continue?

Good luck! What you using? I mean which shavette?

I rince my blade in a sink full of water when needed. The sink had water in it anyway, as I soak my brush pre-shave. I use a damp sponge for stubborn lathers.

Go slow and light don't push it.
You only need to clear the lather when it loads up. Both methods work. Best advice I did not follow was side burn to jaw until you are comfortable. But then again I am hard headed and not afraid to bleed a bit.
Relax more of it will feel natural once you start in.

I'm using a Parker SRB with Shark Super Stainless Razor Blades. Does rinsing the straight razor in water mess up the replaceable blades though? That's really all I'm worried about.

Originally Posted by Mathew

I'm using a Parker SRB with Shark Super Stainless Razor Blades. Does rinsing the straight razor in water mess up the replaceable blades though? That's really all I'm worried about.

If it does, it does so in increments that will be miniscule compared to your beard .

You'll have to expose it to water. Dry it when you're done.

Water is fine for the blade, but you don't want your hands wet or the scales wet or to water down your lathered up face.

I only wipe the razor on a damp sponge during the shave. I may or may not rinse it with water just before I dry it with a towel before restropping (oh wait you don't do that yet) at the very end of my shave.

You'll develop a pattern/system. There are some excellent vids out there. Be aware that a true SR won't handle exactly the same, but will be similar. Don't rush it. Jump back to your previous blade B4 you think you need to. Avoid ATG and "scything" strokes period until really comfortable with the process...like 100 shaves.

I think important point is to find good shavette+blade combo. It makes a huge difference to me. But you won't find it until you try it