Thread: First Shave---Partial Anyway

I received my order from SRD yesterday and today did my first partial shave--right cheek. Was actually able to get a really good comfortable shave, had to stop myself from going further as I really wanted to, but am going to stick with recommendations of going slow to start.

Had too little of an angle but adjusted and could hear the whiskers being cut. Only issues was developing a good lather, definitely need to practice that and am going to cheat a little and try some Baum.BE tomorrow.

I have decided to wait to try stropping until Sunday or Monday to try to get the feel of the razor as it came with a perfect blade and since I'm only doing a little each day the edge should last.

Also planning on switching hands from day one when I get to the left side and learning correctly from the start and not having to try to relearn later.

Looking forward to shaving again tomorrow, never felt that way before.

Also a big thank you to engine46.

I have learned a lot already but know that I really don't know anything. Looking forward to continuing my education.

Welcome to SRP. Definitely heading in the right direction. Good luck

As mentioned in another recent thread, I'd strop carefully at least 10 stokes to get the face/lather gunk completely off of your edge, so that it doesn't hold moisture.

apipeguy: Welcome aboard, tell us what gear you are using,maybe we can help sort out your lathering issues.

Brush is a Simpson Bueford B4 (initial use) and SRD soap that came with my kit. Razor is Ralf Aust 5/8". Lightly rubbing tips into soap and then trying to get lather in a cup.

Try to practise stropping with a blunt knife or similarly shaped object on a newspaper or something. I found it quite useful.

Use the search and ask loads of question, everyone here is eager to help.

Good luck

When I go to make a lather I put a couple of tablespoons of water on the top of the puck if it's a hard soap and let it soak for several minuets, and I soak my brush in water at the same time.
I then shake most of the water out of the brush and start loading the brush with soap, it usually takes about 30 to 45 seconds. A common mistake when new to this is not useing enough soap to get the brush propperly loaded.
If using a cream soap I just soak the brush as before, shake out the excess water and use about a thumbnail sized dollup, you may have to slowly add water a few drops at a time to get the lather to the right consistency, lather should be plenty wet & slick when using a straight.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

As mentioned in another recent thread, I'd strop carefully at least 10 stokes to get the face/lather gunk completely off of your edge, so that it doesn't hold moisture.

+1 for the stropping...it kinda has to be done every shave.
Congratulations on the first step of a great journey. Enjoy it!!

Pete <:-}

Congrats on the successful start. For lather a common mistake is not to load the brush enough. Try a couple practice runs making lather in your hand. Will give you good feedback as to how you are doing

+1 Franfc... My thought: don't over think..