Thread: Starting out

If you never shaved with a straight before remember it will take time for your face to get used to it. Some of the other reasons you are feeling the pain are: your razor may not be as sharp as it should, it may need a strop or it could be the angle you are holding the blade, pressure or even the way you prep. Check the library and ask questions. Most important do not give up. Once you get past the first few shaves it will get better with technique and practice.

It maybe nothing to do with the razor but could be a reaction to what you are using on your face pre, during and post shave. I sometimes have a reaction to Sandlewood not every time I use it which is odd!

perhaps you are having an angle issue.
First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library

Maybe try a different shaving soap or cream. To me this sorta sounds like an allergic reaction. If not that then try some of the other advice previously mentioned. Good luck!

Take your time and no distractions - kids, wife, or animals. Your face will take some time to get used to the closeness of the straight, especially if you are coming from say an electric. Use some cucumber to cool the hot spots, it helps.

Thanks for the answers I doubt that the problem is with shaving cream cause I am using it for about a year with my multi-blade razor and I never felt any unpleasant reaction.. Hope the skin will adapt eventually

If you've changed nothing else, then it's obviously a technique or sharpness issue. It's best to find a local mentor, but we'll help all we can from way over here. Was your razor professional honed and how are you stropping? Only shave with the grain of your beard when possible. Use a low angle and only enough pressure to wipe away the lather-if any more pressure is required to cut the whiskers, then you have a sharpness and/or prep issue.