First Shave!

[Saxxon]

First I would like to thank everyone on this forum for the information and help I have received.

Second I would like to thank SRD for the quality equipment and surprisingly fast shipping.

I received my Wet Shaving Kit yesterday from SRD. I purchased the kit with the Ralf Aust razor and when I was opening the box it felt like Christmas. I couldn't wait to try it out.

So I tried it out.... lol

I tried the hot towel method, I either didn't keep it on my face long enough or it doesn't work for me. Next time I will shave after a shower like I usually do.

The razor worked very well even though my hair wasn't soft enough. It did tend to pull a little but after a little while it seems that the soap softened the hair up enough to make it a pleasant experience. I have read in so many places to just do as much as I was confident with, so I did, and by the end I had shaved everything but my goatee (which I am growing out again) and my jaw bone (having trouble figuring out how to shave this area)

my cheeks and neck I had no problems with though. It was a very fun day for me and I was so glad I didn't cut myself. By the end I did have a little irritation on my neck but I think that was my fault for not lathering enough.

So, once again thank you all, this shave probably wouldn't have been this enjoyable if I didn't have such good information on here.

[tcrideshd]

just remember GOOOO SLLOOOOWWW! YOU WILL GET IT ,, YOUR TECHNIQUE HAS ALOT TO DO WITH THE PULLING, AND PRESSURE MAY HAVE GAVE YOU THE IRRITATION,, BUT LIKE IS SAID TAKE IT STEPP BY STEP AND YOU WILL SOON KNOW HOW TO SHAVE EACH AREA OF YOUR FACE SMOOTHLY. NOW BE VERY SLOW AND CAREFUL ON STROPPING THAT WAY YOUR BLADE WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT GOOD LUCK TC sorry about the all caps I must have hit the button and now I don't feel like redoing it

[Saxxon]

lol on the caps. I do that too sometimes and it's such a pain to have to redo it.

I need to do a little more research on stropping. I did it before and after my shave but it's one of those things that just feel awkward for me. keeping the blade while flipping is odd. I find it easier for me to lift the blade and set it back on the spine and lay it flat again. it is slower but allows me to little more control on flipping. I am worried of nicking the strop when flipping and not lifting. I will shave again tonight after a hot shower and I will post again on my status.

[Saxxon]

I have a question for anyone to answer. The razor I got what the Ralf Aust - Solingen 5/8" Black. I know it was one of the cheaper one but the scales seem really flimsy. Is this ok or should I look at replacing them in the future?

I would also like to make my own scales from walrus ivory probably using the dimensions of my current scales as a guide. I looked a little but was unable to find any guides on making scales from this material. Can anyone guide me in the right direction for this?

[tintin]

the main job of the scales is to protect the edge of the blade (and you). so as long as they are doing the job the're fine. But, there's nothing cooler than a custom set of scales. (maybe get some good but cheap vintage blades to practice on with wood or plastic material before tackling something expensive like ivory).

[Saxxon]

That's a very good point tintin. I'll grab some driftwood I have sitting out back at take a shot at that.

[criswilson10]

I haven't worked walrus, but I have worked mammoth. You can cut it with a fine toothed saw. I used a band saw to cut the basic shape. After that is was a Dremel tool to clean up the cuts and carving knives to the do carving. You really have to pay attention to the grain lines or the stuff will split on you. Maybe you could find a local carver that would be willing to teach you.

[Saxxon]

Thanks for the info. There are few in town I know. I will ask for some help.

[andrewmurray86]

That man feel you get when you shave with a straight.

[MisterMoo]

...I tried the hot towel method... ...I did have a little irritation on my neck but I think that was my fault for not lathering enough.

Congatulations on a good start!

I gave up on hot face washing and hot towels after reading some lengthy threads about cool/cold water prep, lather and rinsing. My neck is especially prone to irriatation or razor burn and cold water shaving, NOT a punishment, did the trick. Just back from a trip to Houston where it appears cold water only comes out of a freezer, not a faucet. Lucky you in Alaska.