Thread: Another my first straight razor shave post.

After a busy day at work I have come home to try out my first straight.
So I got my brush soaking and stepped into the shower. I havnt shaved for about 3 days as I have been waiting to test drive this razor but I have been doing over time at work and havn't felt like I have the concentration to try it out, as everyones advice has been to take my time but it would have been rushed which equal problems.
So having as much time as I wanted I cracked on with making the lather, applied it to my face and oicked up the razor. Im not going to lie, I was pretty nervous.
To start I practiced, again, on how to hold the razor.
I started on my cheeks, this is going well, then on my lips, getting harder, then the chin, even harder. Wow this is really difficult. I dont know if its the fact that I had a few days growth or maybe it was the angle but in some areas the blade struggled to cut?
I did a second pass across the grain which was a little easier and then a third against. There were a lot of patches that I simply couldn't get so I broke out the DE and finished up with that.
For my first shave it went okay, only one nick. Not the closet shave apart from my cheeks, they are silky smooth.
Even the stropping was tricky, I have read countless times about nicking the strop or rolling on the edge of the blade, thinking to myself surely thats not going to happen. Well I didnt nick it but I did catch the edge on the lesther, tricky stuff.
Now I under stand why people call this an art form , it really is going to take me a while to learn the skills and progress but Im excited about it and cant wait for the next shave.
Cheers for the advice that I have found here and to celticcrusader for honing and cleaning my razor

Sounds like a good start to me. It gets a bit better each time. Keep after it.

Fast out of the gate! In my experience as a novice it has been exceedingly helpful to concentrate on grips and angles on the easiest parts to shave: cheeks, chin, under chin with WTG and XTG. Short, slow strokes providing ample time to pay attention to details, then go to backup razor to finish the job. Stuck to this routine for several shaves before moving on to more difficult areas. Takes time, but patience is key. Strengthens the fundamentals and builds confidence. Anyway, that has been what has worked with me. Congrats on good results with your first straight shave!

I know my first shave was aweful. I missed spots all over. The next day, being stubborn, I decided if I could not finish I would go to work without touching up with any other razor. I did that for a week, worked with weird hair not shaved under my ears and chin, then it started getting MUCH better ( and I touched up if I needed to)

Keep at it. All will fall in place

Two weeks from now and you won't know what the issue was...Well you will. Lack of technique and skill. But they won't be so much of an issue by then. Two months from now will see your shaves faster and smoother. Two years from now you'll be wondering if your old method of shaving was really all that bad, and you'll revisit it once or twice to find out that it really was.


Mick

Cheers for the words guys. Yup slowly but surely I will pick it up. Good to know everyone starts at the same place.
Round 2 tonight!

Same place?! Mate don't take this the wrong way, but your story is so familiar, it borders on the boring! Everyone of us has the same story at the beginning. And nearly everyone of us has succeeded. Some fail and drop out of the race of course, and there is no shame in that. The main thing is that you find a method of shaving that is enjoyable, comfortable and successful for you. If a cut-throat or a DE floats your boat, that's great. If not, then you've at least had a go.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

Same place?! Mate don't take this the wrong way, but your story is so familiar, it borders on the boring! Everyone of us has the same story at the beginning. And nearly everyone of us has succeeded. Some fail and drop out of the race of course, and there is no shame in that. The main thing is that you find a method of shaving that is enjoyable, comfortable and successful for you. If a cut-throat or a DE floats your boat, that's great. If not, then you've at least had a go.


Mick

A bit serious there mate. As Im new here I havnt read too many threads as I assume you have. So the fact that its a familiar story and in the beginers section is kind of an obvious one but thats cool, Im just not sure to why you would bother throwing your 2 pennies in?

Got to agree with Mick that yours is a common story for a beginner,nerves and all. It sure was for me too. As you get more comfortable with using a straight the nervousness will subside but do guard against becoming over confident as you progress which can be a recipe for blood letting. Always respect the tool.

I bought a straight from Jamie and the edge was truly sharp as I am sure yours was so most of your little troubles likely boils down to technique. Your stropping, shaving and lathering will improve over time but you are off to good start. The big thing in shaving is to find the right angles to use on the different passes and very light/no pressure on the blade. Short strokes are very good especially in difficult parts like the chin or going ATG. Best of luck on your second shave.

Bob

Originally Posted by smegzilla

A bit serious there mate. As Im new here I havnt read too many threads as I assume you have. So the fact that its a familiar story and in the beginers section is kind of an obvious one but thats cool, Im just not sure to why you would bother throwing your 2 pennies in?

No it wasn't meant to come off sounding overly serious or critical. Perhaps I should have judiciously applied a smiley or two. I was simply saying we've all been where you are. We understand what you are feeling etc. My apologies for any misunderstanding.


Mick