Finally - First Straight Razor Shave (by myself)
Well, I finally did it!
My DOVO 300-580 was waiting for me when I came home. It had taken a little detour to Medina, OH (The Honemeister) from Classic Shaving to me. I couldn't wait to try it out, but I did wait until an hour ago.
I brought out my new Illinois 306 strop and did my 30 X-strokes. (The X part is easy, remembering to roll on the spine, and not lift up, is not.) I did put a very small nick in the strop.
Next, the hot towel and soap pre-treatment. Re-lather and here we go.....
I was getting some drag, so I maybe I need more pre-shave beard softening. I only shaved in one direction (down), so I know that I wasn't going to get the BBS shave. I was a little disappointed that the shave wasn't a little closer.
Since there was no blood, I thought that I would do it again. Pre-treat with hot towel and soap. Re-strop. Shave again in the same direction (down). Again, not as close as I expected.
The sound of the razor on my beard sounded like sandpaper, and I felt a little drag. Either my beard needs a little more pre-treatment, or I distroyed the edge that the honemeister put on my razor with my bad stropping. Maybe my strop needs to be treated, I don't know.
Anyway, NO BLOOD!!!!
I didn't cut my head off. I didn't bang my razor against anything. I didn't gash my strop to pieces (I can barely see the nick, as it lays down when I go over it).
I will have to try again tomorrow morning after my shower to see if that will help.
I guess that I am 'legal' now.
pete_bogg
First Straight Razor Shave (by myself)
Way to go Pete, Just imagine 30 days from now how your face will feel. After a couple of weeks you'll change direction of the blade, Second pass, Horizontal or against the grain and you eill have a BBS.