Thread: My first shave

Welcome Cliff. You can chalk all of these issues up to inexperience. Watch your stropping and shaving technique. Under the nose, the chin, and the neck are the usual suspects for problems. Read through the forums for tips, but in the end I think we have find what works for us.

I would also highly recommend Lynn's DVD "The World of Straight Razors". You can get this at ClassicShaving.com. Be patient, it takes time. Enjoy

Jordan

Yeah - what Jordan said. It isnt an instant gratification hobby, it takes time and patience to learn enough to even get a shave the same as your old cartridge. But once it comes together (and it does eventually come together) you will understand.

Good luck avoiding all the AD's that catch most of us out sooner or later.

Si

Using a straight isn't a quick fix - it takes time to develop the full set of skills, but it's worth spending that time.

Part of the recipe is that shave preparation is important; it may be heresy to say this, but a full on steam towel, badger brush lather will vastly improve a cartridge shave, and is an important part of a stright shave.

Nicks can be due to a dull edge, or just plain poor technique. However, insufficient preparation can also play a part, so there is no 100% reliable remote diagnosis. Most of the time, all other things being equal, a nick is the result of poor technique, usually trying to hurry a shave.

Feeling sore sounds like razor burn - where you literally shave away part of your skin. It's a good sign, in a way; it means your blade is sharp, and you are probably using it close enough to your skin. But it can also come when you use too steep an angle, and scrape your face, which is usually triggered by a dull edge. With a sharp edge, you need less pressure to cut hair than you may thing; a light touch is the thing, and will avoid the burn.

Anyway, welcome to the club, and remember to take your time to get the best shave you can get.

Cheers guys, I appreciate the comments and encouragement. I’m not about to give up soon but I am glad I work from home and have a little more time and don’t have to stress about a scabby face

I’m sure there will be many more questions on the road to perfection

This is a great forum btw

Cliff

You've made a good step, Cliff. Well done!

If your kit came from Tony and you didn't knock the edge off with bad stropping (gently, slowly and carefully) then that raw feeling is just your face being naturally unfamiliar with the aggressive action of the straight edge razor. It just takes a little time.

Don't go back to that shaving foam in a can stuff. It doesn't work at all. Even a bad lather with traditional soap or cream is better than that crap. Nicks are a result of a number of thing and a lack of good lube is up there on the list with bad technique. one thing to keep in mind is that if you're used to cartridges you're also used to using too much pressure. I am still prone to that myself. Ease up and try to keep the shaving angle under 30º.

X