Thread: First SR shave - not easy

I just completed my first shave (with my whipped dog sight unseen straight). I only had the courage to do one pass. It felt very rough and dry in some spots. I guess I need to work on a better lather and angle, not to mention get comfortable holding the razor. The good news is that I only have 1 small nick, which has stopped bleeding with application of a styptic pencil. I had good success up near the sideburns, but it was a total disaster under the nose and down by the neck. I think I probably tried to rush too much. Probably should have taken advice and only done a few strokes for the first time, but I did my whole face. It's not the smoothest shave, but that could be because I only did 1 pass.

I will try to learn from my effort and not give up. Next shave will probably be with a safety razor so I can regain my sanity.

If it were easy, it wouldn't be as much fun when you get it right! Don't rush it and don't worry about using a DE razor for the hard parts for a while.

Jeffrx,

Im at the same point as yourself. Ive been DE shaving for a little over a year and felt I had a good grasp on things but using the SR has proved tricky for sure. Got mine from WhippedDog as well. Came with a fantastic edge that I managed to screw up with my lack luster stropping skills. Its been a slow process over the last two weeks but I take my time and go as far as I feel comfortable and just finish up with the DE. That smooth shave will come, I know it. Take it slow and stick with it.

Phil

That first shave can be unnerving.
My first one pass shave took 45 minutes and at one point a bead of sweat ran down my nose because I was so nervous.
It gets better after a few shaves.
Hang in there.

Originally Posted by Phil129

Jeffrx,

Im at the same point as yourself. Ive been DE shaving for a little over a year and felt I had a good grasp on things but using the SR has proved tricky for sure. Got mine from WhippedDog as well. Came with a fantastic edge that I managed to screw up with my lack luster stropping skills. Its been a slow process over the last two weeks but I take my time and go as far as I feel comfortable and just finish up with the DE. That smooth shave will come, I know it. Take it slow and stick with it.

Phil

What went wrong with the stropping? Did you figure out what the problem was?

You did very well for your first time. Dont let it get to ya. Just like the first time you tried riding your bike....
How many falls and scapes did you take before you got it right, then you probably started jumping ramps and riding with no hands.... Right!!

Its the same thing...
Practice, practice and more practice... Dont ever give up, and soon you'll achieve your goal.

Congrats on your first step into this fabulous SR world! Your shaving will get better. Stick with it. Good luck.

A for effort!
Doing the whole face puts you ahead of the curve already.
Practice, watch videos, ask questions and go at your own pace. Don't rush things.
Learning straight shaving doesn't happen overnight but is well worth the time spent.
Remember...we were all in the same position you are in once.
This journey is fun!!!
Good luck!

Pete <:-}

My first one went okay, my second went less okay. With the first one I went in with the view of it is different but let's not overthink it. I tried to remember the basic tips I have read but mostly just kept a low angle usually around 30 degrees but if I erred I erred on the side of lower. The second time I went in more with the attitude of it is just like regular just a different grip. It passed more smoothly over my face (I didn't hear it cutting with my first I heard it but it cut smooth, I was also chopping full grown hairs). I think that I had a false sense of security.

I think that people who join forums about hobbies (and I am struggling with considering shaving a hobby but it really does feel like it) tend to be the people that think the smallest mistake will end in death. Maybe worse, it will ruin their enjoyment if they don't get it "right".

Tonight, now that my face has healed from the debacle of my second shave Sunday night, I will get back on that horse and ride the more difficult razor again with a different mindset. Smooth and steady, even strokes, just because you call it scraping your cheeks doesn't mean you shave that way.

Originally Posted by jeffrx

What went wrong with the stropping? Did you figure out what the problem was?

Just improper technique. I was lifting the edge at the end of the stroke. It's something I knew I shouldn't do but happened anyway. I feel my stopping has come leaps and bounds in just a short while so I feel better about it now. The videos and tutorials on this site are priceless, thanks to all who take the time to help us who are starting out in this sport.