First shave with Mentor

[Fabos]

Hello,

I had been thinking about getting into straight razor shaving for some time. A few months ago I started wet shaving with a DE. It was going well and I thought I am going to try a straight shave. I posted on this site a few weeks ago under the welcome board. I was almost immediately contacted by one of the site mentors. Razorfeld welcomed me to the site, and gave me some tips on where to start. He also offered to have me come over this house and he would walk me through my first shave.

I arrived at his house with a list of questions. We spent an hour or so over coffee discussing many of the intricacies of the strait razor shave. We talked about the various equipment and the pros and cons different types of razors, strops, brushes, etc... I had been reading a bunch, and watching videos. At times there is almost too much information and it was nice for Razorfeld to clarify what was important and what was just personal preference. We also had a practice stropping session.

Next we went into the shaving. Razorfeld had two vintage shave ready razors for me to try. One was 4/8, and the other was 5/8, both round nose. We started with the lather. I built a lather in a shaving mug that Razorfeld gave to me (thanks). My lather was a bit on the wet side, but it got the job done. Building a thicker lather is an area I will have to work on. The plan was to have me shave one half of my face with a straight, and the other half with the DE. This would allow me to compare the results of each method. I lathered up and followed Razorfeld's instructions as far as holding the razor, angle, pressure, and taking short strokes. I thought it went pretty well, but I was not ready to tackle my chin. I finished up with the DE.

I completed the shave. There were some areas where I left some stubble, but there were also some areas that were awesome!!! It is obvious that I have a ways to go in developing my technique, however I am sure that I am on my way to an awesome straight shave.

We talked some more about some of the things I learned. Razorfeld let me borrow a couple of shave ready razors and a strop until I get my own equipment. This time was invaluable. I am sure I got in weeks of learning in one day. I drove home running my hand across my face every few minutes amazed that I had done it.

I practiced my stropping stroke quite a few times once I got home. This morning after I showered I decided to give myself a shave. I stropped the razor, lathered up which was much better, and was able to shave my whole face this time. I still have to work on the best way to hold the razor for the different areas of my face, but I was able to get a damn nice shave.

I have to say that the amount of help I received from this site has been really great. The help I received from Razorfeld has been unbelievable. I still have a long way to go, but I am well on my way.

Thanks

Ron