First SR shave - not easy

[jeffrx]

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.

[Utopian]

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.

[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

[criswilson10]

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.

[jeffrx]

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?

[Phil129]

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.

[Ernie1980]

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!

[RRae]

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

[outback]

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.

[wayne394]

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