Super new to shaving, first post

Hello everyone,

I just read the "first straight razor sticky," watched the "razor test" video, and watched the proper stroping method.

I have tried using a razor (disposable kind) only a handful of times in my entire life. I always just used electric clippers to get my facial hair down to a stubble.

My skin is quite sensitive, and I always got razor burn, and stinging irritation if I tried to get a "close" shave. This goes for the razors and for a close shave from the electric shaver.

I would like to try shaving again, this time, with a straight razor. I read that, once the proper technique is learned, a straight razor shave doesn't give razor burn. This is my main motivation. That, and I want to have a smooth face again.

I think I have all the materials to start learning... here is the list...

-The Dovo Gentleman 5/8 with Yew handle
-daVinci Uomo badger hair brush
-Musgo Real Shaving Cream
-Burt's Bees Natural Aftershave
-bubble & bee organic face cream (moisturizer)
-Infalab Nick Relief styptic powder
-30 degree leather and linen strop
-towel

I currently have a 1 year full beard. I am VERY nervous to try a razor again, but I also feel it is time to be clean shaven. I am unsure how to begin, as I don't have a regular razor, nor do I want to use one... tons of razor burn. I do have really nice clippers I just purchased...

I'm thinking of using the clippers to "buzz" my beard off, and then just use practice using the straight razor as dictated in the sticky post.

What do you all think? I welcome any advice, criticisms...

thank you so much,
Marcello

Welcome to SRP. First off, where is your razor from as many new razors don't arrive shave ready. Second, definitely take off as much as you can with the clippers while you learn. You can expect irritation initially, which is why I used balm instead of aftershave. Just take it slow and steady, and you will get the best shave possible. Best of luck.

I got the razor new from FGP on Amazon. Is there a different shave test other than on my face, that I can use to discern the "shave readiness?"

You can try sweeping your arm hair so it is standing and attempt to cut it about a half inch off your arm. Should easily slice through hair. Also don't strop the razor before you try this. Improper stropping can degrade the edge. Main thing at this stage is to take it slow and steady, there are many helpful members here and you are definitely in the right place to learn.

Wow. A one year full beard and has a history of razor burn. You need to take it slow as has been said. Definitely trim the bears as much as possible first. What about trimming with the clippers then leaving it very short for a couple of days before you shave to let the skin rest a bit?

Musgo Real is an excellent cream. Do test the razor first on arm or leg hair. If you feel it's not sharp send it to someone to have it honed and then use it without stropping it first.

Maybe be prepared to shave only some of your beard off with the straight and switch to a DE or disposable part way through.

You might consider using nothing on your face after the shave; just to determine if it's not aftershave etc which may be irritating your skin.

Carl

I'm guessing that razor isn't ready. I don't know anything about FGP though.

Edit: if you want a great, inexpensive balm aftershave for your sensitive skin, I've been quite pleased with Nivea sensitive balm.

Carl, you are right about products on my skin after shaving, that's why I'm going to try the Burts Bees aftershave, it doesn't have alcohol in it.

I tried cutting arm and leg hair, I made sure the hair was standing up, and I tried to cut through the middle of the hair. I even tried holding some of my long leg hairs on one end and trying to cut through them. Didn't cut a single hair.

Who on this forum would you guys recommend as the best to prepare my razor?

Thanks

Just an FYI.

If the razor has been oiled and put in it's coffin, it will not successfully cut a hanging hair until rinsed and stropped in my opinion.

Have fun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Grazor

You can try sweeping your arm hair so it is standing and attempt to cut it about a half inch off your arm. Should easily slice through hair. Also don't strop the razor before you try this. Improper stropping can degrade the edge. Main thing at this stage is to take it slow and steady, there are many helpful members here and you are definitely in the right place to learn.

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PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEOS on you tube about shaving with a straight razor. Go very slow. Remember this is not a race. I really don't know about where you got the razor from Amazon I would guess that it is not shave ready. I may be wrong and if I am it want be the first time. If there is any doubt send it to a professional for honing. there are many here in the classifieds. There are several videos on you tube that are very informative. These videos are the next best thing to having someone there to assist you in the learning process. Oh and welcome to straights and the SRP.

I agree, get it honed professionally first.

When you shave, try to shave off just the cream...that's all the pressure you need. Once I got the technique down, my neck is not tender at all, like it would be after a DE or cartridge shave. Do expect some burn until you get your technique down right.

Also consider some preshave oil; it helps the razor glide more easily on your face.

While you're waiting for your razor to come back from honing, practice making lather with your soap and brush. That way, your first shave won't be the first time you are trying, and you'll have better lather once you've practiced a bit.

Thanks, I'll look into preshave oil, and practice making lather.

I'll check the classifieds.

Good tips, thanks everyone.

I couldn't find the classifieds, I just found a few vendors, and the threads about auctions.

Where do I find the honing sections?

i just saw this edit, I'll look into that balm if the burts bees and the bubble bee products dont work. thanks Sean.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4

Oh. My. God. the classifieds link is on the home page. I'm so dumb. Thanks Sean

I bought pre shave oil from AOS then read 5 parts coconut oil 1 part glycerine and I think it was 2 parts Castro oil. I did that and I've been very happy with my shaves after that. I won't waste money buying pre shave oil again since I can make stuff that works better for me for way cheaper. Fyi I have also always suffered with sensitive skin.

As far as honing goes send it to someone on here or look and see if some of the more seasoned members live close to you maybe you can go get a lesson like I did. I still don't know anything but it's sure fun learning.

Also, don't give up. :) It may take some time to get your technique down, but you'll get there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lynn

Just an FYI.

If the razor has been oiled and put in it's coffin, it will not successfully cut a hanging hair until rinsed and stropped in my opinion.

Have fun.

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Good point Lynn. Maybe the OP could try this before sending it out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skunkfunk

if you want a great, inexpensive balm aftershave for your sensitive skin, I've been quite pleased with Nivea sensitive balm.

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+1 on this from me. it's non-oily and very moisturizing, it's been my go to for 2 years now

Hi and welcome aboard. If the razor was sealed in the box then it won't be shave ready just a factory edge. Good luck with your shaves and any questions feel free to ask.

I've purchased from FGP before and the blade is the factory edge which isn't really shave ready. Send it out to be honed.

Welcome!!
I think there are a few users in Utah that might be able to help you
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...sername&order=

Find users with a high post count and recent last posts

One on one hands on honing help and stropping help is worth 100's of hours of videos

I'm going to practice some stroping, and see if the blade gets better, if not, I'll send it to Lynn.

The wiki pages on this site are also very informative, really specific.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, and advice,
Marcello

so I just started trying to strop, first on the linen strop, then on the smooth leather one. I noticed the leather one wont stay level if I pull it taught and level. I have to twist it slightly and then it seems to be straight. Is this normal?

I also noticed the razor got sharper after the first round, then I must have messed up, because it wasn't as sharp the second round....

Marcello, basically the best test is the shave test. Have another razor on stand by and try one side of your face with your dominant hand, stretching with your other hand helps and a good lather makes a lot of difference. You could try reading this article in the beginners guide first. If it feels uncomfortable and the edge feels like it is pulling, I would send it out to be honed. Main thing is to not give up, it takes a while to learn. There may also be a member near by who would be willing to give you some one on one help.

DovoYew - I don't see where in Utah you live but I'm in Salt Lake so if you're anywhere close I'd be happy to answer any questions or give some instruction. PM me if you're interested.