Thread: shaving actual beard?

I have nearly a month's beard right now. A few days ago I dipped my toes in the straight razor water by just trimming along my neck. It went ok, but I stopped before any major razor burn. When shaving with multi-blade razors, I think conventional wisdom is to trim the beard as short as possible with an electric trimmer first to limit tugging. Should I trim before my first attempt at straight shaving my cheek, or should it not make a difference?
Thanks gents

I believe a beginner should trim. An experienced shaver does not need to do so. The reason is that it is a little more difficult and when you first put that blade to your neck it should be as easy as possible for you!

Thank you sir!

I agree with Utopian. While it is definetly possible to shave a beard without trimming it down, as a beginning wet shaver I would deifinetly recommend whacking it back with some scissors or a pair of clippers. Let us know how it goes.

Yeah I agree with the above also. Letting it grow more than one day is ok, some actually prefer it, but too long and it could be cumbersome.
The neck can be more tricky than the cheeks so if you're getting good shaves there I would think that when you start on your cheeks you'll be doing good

Sounds like a plan. I have a cheap omega brush and soap coming today (from what I read I think it's re-branded poraso?). I think I'll trim tonight, then shower and shave tomorrow.

I rotate pretty frequently between having and not having a beard, when going from beard to no beard I have to take it really slow for a week and I always trim it down before trying to give it a full shave.

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Sounds like a plan. I have a cheap omega brush and soap coming today (from what I read I think it's re-branded poraso?). I think I'll trim tonight, then shower and shave tomorrow.

The omega cream/croap is pretty good, i could use it from now on if I had to, as I understand it it has a milder scent than Proraso but is made by the same company (based on reading).
I recently purchased an omega 10098 and tube of cream, i already had a bowl of it, the tube and bowl seem slightly different but both good. The brush is great though it did stink for the first few uses. I believe this is pretty common.

I have seen videos of guys shaving off full beards, but i am not sure I would fancy it, if I recall they started at the top and worked their way down, ie the highest point on thir cheek. That way you can ser 9 see what is going on.

I shaved off my full beard without trimming it first. If you are good with your angle it's not a big deal. However be aware the skin under your beard is a bit more sensitive so watch your pressure and take your time.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I believe a beginner should trim. An experienced shaver does not need to do so. The reason is that it is a little more difficult and when you first put that blade to your neck it should be as easy as possible for you!

+1 Best of luck!