Thread: First straight razor shave

Hi all
Well decided to do my first straight razor shave this morning. Well I did not do my whole face with the straight razor as I did the right sideburn the right cheek and I did my left side burn and left cheek. The left side since I am right-handed was a lot harder but I only had one small Nick and it was on the right side. I think I will continue to do just the sideburn and cheek for a couple of days at least to get used to it. I did get a very close shave with only one pass on all. Today I used a Parker replaceable blade shaver. I have ordered from whipped dog a $45 unseen straight razor and a $40 paddle strop that has I believe four different strops on each side. Looking forward to using the actual straight razor.

Roger

Congratulations on your start!

Just a tip, if you're like I am, you'll find it hard to find the confidence, but, once you get the feel of a straight, and before you build too many habits, try shaving the left side of your face with your left hand. I couldn't do anything left handed, but after reading the input of some very experienced shavers, I tried my left hand, and amazingly it was easier (and I get a better shave) by using each hand appropriately, than I did by "crossing over" with my right (dominant) hand.

One bit of advice I'll add for you is to suggest that you continue to shave the same areas. When you get a little comfortable, try shaving those areas in different directions and holding the razor in different ways. The reason is that once you go below the jaw line you'll find that you need more tricks to get it right. But the terrain is a lot more challenging with different angles and uneven surfaces. Add in a tentative nature and the need to use uncomfortable grips on the razor and the process really runs into an obstacle course. The angles and uneven surfaces are going to challenge you as it is but if you are comfortable holding the razor in different ways, you may tackle it a little easier.

Just try everything. Pain fades but chicks dig scars

Bravo, K5. 'Sounds like your maiden voyage was alot less colorful than mine. OCD & Harold give good input about using both hands and getting used to how an edge should feel on easier, predictable areas. If you get a chance, you might see if any experienced members are nearby. Getting some face to face time can really accelerate the learning curve. You'll hear it said that it only gets better. They're not kidding. I'd only add to have fun, rather than work too hard at it. The skills will come either way.

Congrats on your first SR shave. You started the same way I did (sort of). I started on just one side (my dominant right side). But like others suggested, when I did the left side, I used my left hand.

I've heard others say this and it was true for me; that I actually shaved better with my left hand. Maybe because I was paying so close attention to what I was doing. Now, still fairly new, I use my opposite hand to shave against the grain (XTG) and across the grain (ATG) of my beard/face. Example: when shaving XTG on my right sideburn, I use my left hand,etc.

Enjoy the journey my friend!

~mc

Welcome. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Be sure to read the wiki on this site. It should answer a lot of questions for you.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

Congratulations on your start!

Just a tip, if you're like I am, you'll find it hard to find the confidence, but, once you get the feel of a straight, and before you build too many habits, try shaving the left side of your face with your left hand. I couldn't do anything left handed, but after reading the input of some very experienced shavers, I tried my left hand, and amazingly it was easier (and I get a better shave) by using each hand appropriately, than I did by "crossing over" with my right (dominant) hand.

Thanks guys for all the tips. Also on my left side I did use my left hand as instructed on a lot of YouTube videos like Gofatguy. It was hard I was strongly tempted to use my right hand on the left side but I decided to try to learn the proper way the first time. I am going to continue to use my left hand until I get good at it. I should change that I am going to continue using my right hand for my right side left-hand for left side so I learn the right way the first time. Thanks guys

Roger

You'll probably find the real straight to be a little more forgiving than your disposable blade. Those things have a reputation of being crazy crazy sharp, and most of the time only crazy sharp is enough.

Well second day with shaving with a straight razor it went a lot better than yesterday no nick's or cuts and it went faster and smoother even on my left side with my left hand. I think I will do just my sideburns and face the next couple of days and then move onto my neck. My new straight razor comes today or tomorrow so I will move to the straight razor instead of using the Parker.