Thread: First shave

Well done on not drawing blood on your first shave. I didn't on my first shave, but I have since and even once quite badly. It hasn't deterred me at all though.

As Job 15 says you shouldn't get any tugging, generally that is a symptom that your razor isn't sharp enough, but if you got yours from SRD and haven't stropped it yet I think that it is your technique, their blades are shave ready and honed by the best. You need to be applying no pressure at all, let the blade do the work.

As for the irritation, that is something that I haven't suffered from since I stopped using supermarket cheese graters on my face. I think that either as you have already said your lather may not have been up to it, or once again too much pressure. I can't stress enough on the light touch.

Also preparation is key as Job15 said a long hot shower will make a huge difference.

Good luck, well done on your first shave, take your time and enjoy!

Congrats on getting your first shave in unscathed. You mentioned that your lather got better as you went along so yes you need to work on lather making. It takes a bit of time to whip up a good lather with enough water in it to give you good slickness. Most soaps and creams can hold quite a bit of water without falling apart. Add the water slowly a bit at a time till you have that good lather.

Bob

Congrats on #1.

Lather

Learning to make a good lather takes a bit.

One thing to remember is if the lather just does not seem right, rinse it off, clean the brush and start over. Nothing wrong with a redo.

good luck

Baseball Player,

You're a brave man. You've probably stolen home a few times.

I have two brand spanking new straights. I've yet to shave with them. I need to pick up a few more items. And I have a Costco pack of Fusion blades that I have to use lest they go to waste...or my girlfriend takes 'em. She rolls that way. If she sees something she likes, she'll hold it up in front of me while asking if she can have it knowing that I've never denied her. But I'd probably deny her if she asked for one of my two Solingen Boker straights. I love 'em. I couldn't part with 'em.

Baseballplayer, good job and welcome to the group. Lather is important so practice making it. And when you shave put the spine of the blade almost touching your skin. Do not scrape the razor, allow it to cut the hair. You are well on your way but DO NOT RUSH. Take your time and have fun on the journey. Good luck!