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.

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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

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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.

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Originally Posted by jeffrx

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

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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.

You will get there! Just take your time and enjoy the process:)I 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.