Thread: Last minute advice

Hey all,
I just got as a present new dovo best quality 5/8 (after i already bought a Giesen & Forsthoff). I know it was honed.
I am just about to go and shave with it for the first time (this is my first straight razor shave!).
So as preparation, i saw Mr. Lynn Abrams video on:
Stropping for beginners:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Shaving for beginners:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

And i have several questions.
1) about stropping i have what i think is a loom strop but its very thin (i think about 2 inch maybe?) so each time i go over with the razor i don't really cover the whole edge. What is the best way to cover thee whole edge?
2) in the "Shaving for beginners" video, Mr Abrams advised for the first shave to just from the sideburns to the jaw. I was wondering if you guys could give me some more advice, things to be more attentive to, technique and any other info that could help.
Thanks in advance.

If you have a razor that arrived shave ready (that means it went to someone that honed it, not the factory edge), I hope you didn't strop it before first use.

Lynn's video is about the best out there and very thorough. What specific questions do you have?

Go to the library on this forum and check out the videos and resources for beginners. They cover everything from shaving to stropping. Come back here if you still have questions.

For stropping on a narrow strop you use a technique called the "X"stroke, if you go to the videos section and look up afdavis's stropping videos they are very good.
As for your second question, concentrate on good prep, then allow plenty of time, dont use pressure, and keep a low angle, DO NOTmove the blade side ways on your face - it will end badly.
And as soon as you feel uncomfortable stop.

Slow and steady. Try to use no pressure. Take the lather off your skin without pressure on your face. Cut hair don't scrape it off

well,
I'm done with my first experience, And i must say, its harder than it looks.
I have to say that i nicked my self a bit (maybe i put too much pressure or the angle was off or the movement was not good) but i'll take it as a "right of passage". I guess that i'll get better as a shave more.
I shaved only the sideburns to the jaw - and i didn't really get the smooth sensation that people talk about. (maybe my beard was too long to begin with?). I finished the rest of my face with my regular gillette razor.
Should I try again tomorrow or wait several days?
What are the proper steps to clean the razor after use? wash with water and wipe it with a dry towel?
Thank

I dry them carefully. Leave open to dry for 30 min then oil lightly and store.

P.s. sounds like it could've gone worse. As for the smoothness of the shaving. Could be razor or could be a million other things. Lather is very important. It can make or break it for my tough beard. And other countless variables.

Thanks for the advice and support.
Unfortunately i still didn't get the soap and brush so im using regular shaving gel (according to the notes here - its better than nothing).
About the post cleaning - what kind of oil do you use?
Thanks again.

I'm not sure what everyone else uses but I take a drop of neatsfoot oil or a quick spray of remoil. Then wipe.

Blade already in motion before it touches skin; blade still in motion when it's lifted.



Blade never still on skin, gwasshoppuh.

Good luck - have fun.

On the question whether to wait a day: that can be a good idea, especially starting out. We're harder on the skin as beginners (too much pressure, harsh blade angles, buffing over and over on one spot), and irritation adds one more unpleasant variable to the learning curve.