Sgtd's Second Attempt at Straight Shaving

So,about a year and half ago I initially tried shaving w/a straightrazor. At first it was pretty neat, but after four or five shaves Ihad had enough. I was getting terrible shaves and even worseirritation on my neck. Well, fast forward to about three weeksago. I was getting the itch again and determined that this time itwill be different. I was able to trade for a few shave-ready razorsand decided I'd try one out today.


Iused my 5/8 Wosty Celebrated. I only did from my right sideburn downto my jaw line. I read somewhere to start slow and get the feel forit before going hog wild. If I had heeded that advice the first timearound, I may have kept with it. But I thought I knew better, so Irushed it and paid for it dearly. So, this time around, I am going totake it slow. I plan on doing this for about a week or so, just toget the feel of holding the razor and learning the proper angle. Thenmy plan is to add in my off-hand and do the left side of my face.Once I get comfortable with that then I'll start moving to otherparts of my face. Today was very uneventful. No blood, no knicks, nofrills no spills. Hopefully it will stay this way!

Welcome back to it!
Sound like the mindset is right to succeed this time. as it is not a race but a journey.
Looking forward to seeing you around the place.

Pat

It sounds like you're off to a good second start. As pfries suggests, maybe your mindset will help you better this time around. In a world of rushing and instant gratification, I need to make time for those old-world nuances such as straight shaving, polishing my shoes, ironing my clothes, etc. If I'm rushed for time, these moments of artistic relaxation quickly become chores that I inadvertently want to rush. I hope this time around for you the experience of a slow-paced restart gives you pleasure and provides the drive to continue with the SR.

Glad to hear things are working out better for you this time around. I'm just starting out too and have found that taking my time and focusing one small piece at a time is better than going hog wild as you mentioned.

BTW, I was stationed at Eglin AFB years ago and miss the white sand and emerald coast!

Shave #2 – 10 May 2014

So, it was a busy week and I didn't get a chance to use the straight at all. However, today was nice and relaxing so I figured there's no better time to get back to it. I used the 5/8 Wosty again and no issues. All I did was my right cheek down to my jawline. It was fairly easy going with no nicks or cuts and very little burn from the aftershave afterwards. I'll keep this routine up for the next few shaves then we'll see about going to the left side and using my off-hand. I know that I still have a ways to go before I'm a “master” but, so far so good and I really think I'm going to enjoy this straight thing. I know this is a ways off, but I am really looking forward to learning how to hone one day. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it though.

Hi and welcome. Slow and steady will see you with smooth shaves before you know it. Any questions feel free to ask

You are starting the right way...sideburns to jaw until you're completely comfortable with the razor and technique.

Shave #3 – 11 May 2014

I got a little brave today. I started as normal, just doing my right side with my right (dominant) hand. All was well. Then I thought why not try the other side, so I did. It was a little awkward, and it will definitely take some practice, but I managed to do it with no nicks or cuts. I also did my upper lip and chin, which after was still pretty rough, but I went real light to make sure I didn't cut myself. Overall it was a decent shave but I will have to get used to using my left hand. Like I said it was fairly awkward, but I'm looking forward to getting better at it. I am going to try getting up a little earlier tomorrow so I can continue using the straight. So far I'm digging it.

Haven't logged in in a few days, so just to catch up…

Shave #4 – 13 May 2014

Another good shave. I stuck to my cheeks only today and had no issues. Everything went very smoothly. It is still awkward using my left hand but that will fade with time I'm sure. I really like the 5/8 size of the razor. I think that's just about perfect to get the hang of everything. The first go around I had a 6/8 and it wasn't too bad, but the 5/8 seems a little easier to maneuver. I guess I'll eventually want to try a bigger razor, but for now, this one is perfect.

Shave #5 – 14 May 2014

Following yesterday's great shave, I figured I'd be brave again and see just how much I could do. I started with my cheeks, then moved on to my neck, and finally did my upper lip and chin. All in all it was a great shave. I only ended up with one little nick, right under my nose. I think tomorrow, instead of going from my right cheek to my left, I'll do my entire right side (neck included) and then move to the left. I don't know if it will make a difference or not, but we'll see. I'm certainly having fun learning. Unfortunately, I'm working with a poor man's strop I picked up from my first try at straight shaving and it only has about 6-8 inches of usable space left; the rest if filled with nicks and cuts. It seems to be doing the job though as the razor still feels plenty sharp. I know that I'll have to pick up something else though. Being in the sabbatical sort of limits my options, but maybe I'll be able to talk someone into trading. Anyway, looking forward to tomorrow's shave!

Shave #6 – 15 May 2014

Another great shave today. I shaved my entire face and neck and only ended up with one little nick, just outside of my lip on the left side. It wasn't bad at all though. Using the left hand is still awkward, especially on my neck, so more practice is needed. This is when I wish I could shave more than once a day! Again, looking forward to tomorrow's shave.