Thread: First SR shave - not easy

You will get there! Just take your time and enjoy the processI would recommend watching lots of videos, that will help with your technique (angle, stroke, pressure, etc) for not only shaving but Stropping as well. Don't lose faith, and enjoy yourself!

This was a great reference like all material on this site. I did find that my non dominant hand shaved better than my dominant hand. First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library

Hang in there jeffrx, it gets better, your just in the learning curve of shaving with a str8, all you need is a little time and practice, with that and the knowledge you can obtain in this forum (it's all here too), your gonna get more comfortable with a str8 also, good luck !


Scott

Great Job for your first time. I have been at it for 4 months. I cant believe how far I have come. Today I had a great shave BBS. There are spots that are not as smooth as I would like, bit its a matter of time and they will. You will find certain grinds aand widths soot you better . I use to use a 4/8 when I first started. I guess it was less intimidating, but now I prefer a 6/8 it just seems to shave me better. I like a hollow ground the best. I have a extra hollow and I cant get it to shave me at all.

The bottom line is that you cant rush experience...a little but often. I use a DE on my work days. No time for a SR shave. The only razor I seem to cut myself is the safety razors ..go figure.

You will be fine just keep at it.

I remember that it was not easy also. Watch some videos to see how others do it, and like me I bet this will help you out. I have been doing it a year and still love getting up in the morning to shave. In fact, I am on a business trip now, and could not bring my straight razor. I am kind of bummed!

Second shave completed. This time I took my time more. I did 1 pass on everything but the mustache area. I'm a little hesitant to try that. I had a good lather and the blade felt good. Ended up doing the mustache as well as an entire second pass with a safety razor. All in all, I think it was a success. No nicks or cuts and I have an extremely smooth shave. Topped it off with some Captain's Choice Bay Rum. I'll probably do a similar routine next time.

I have definitely improved. I'm about 7-8 shaves in now. I still usually nick myself at least once though. It's usually around the mustache area. I'm really struggling under the nose and above the lip. Everything else is coming along OK.

Keep it up. With time you will become proficient.