Thread: My First Straight Shave

Well, I've been working up to my first shave for a while now and today was the day for my first (partial) shave.

Wet shaving has been my routine for ten years now but I finally got all of my gear together to use and maintain a straight razor. Of course I started with my razor, a budget buy from the classifieds, a Shumate Tungsten 5/8 square point (yes, not the recommended round but increased risk begets enhanced caution). No it's not a beautiful or highly desirable blade but the price was right and being from the St. Louis area it seemed right to start by bringing this tool back to where it began its life.

So, I decided to keep it simple for my first attempt and stuck to using my right hand, my dominant, on the right side of my face. No issues whatsoever with my cheek so I decided to risk my neck and my only complaints came from the poor job I made of it (and not a real complaint at that). Then I made the mistake of trying to go XTG, no real issues on my cheek but the neck was a mistake and I was rewarded with a light case of razor burn and a nick on a blemish that I knew was going to be a casualty sooner or later.

As it stands my cheek is as clean as a two-pass shave with a new cartridge and I blame my insignificant injuries on my own lack of patience. I have to admit that I'm looking forward to my next attempt and I may risk my luck with using my non-dominant hand north of the jawline!

Good job! Good results for a first straight shave!

Slow and steady. I am on my second week and still have some difficulty on my non-dominate side.

So, Mrs. Ripper came home and after telling her that I used the straight razor for the first time she took a look at my neck and told me it looked red and angry. I guess that means the burn was a bit more drastic than "light." That's said I'm still happy and accept the irritating consequences as part of getting a little ahead of myself, a good reminder to take it slowly.

Congrats Ripper....good start. In placement of trying your neck, try the other cheek next shave. Slow and steady wins the race!

When you get to your neck, map it out (which way do your whiskers grow) and the stretch and do almost no pressure With The Grain. Don't overdo it, or you'll get discouraged. Finish and clean up with your cartridge for a while.

Harold speaks the truth! Always!
TBH, I think blade angle/technique, edge quality, and prep may be addressed, one at a time?
We have all been through this, normal stuff. Usually, an easy way out can be found!

keep it up. early next year makes 4 years and it's been a long haul but I think worth it. That geofatboy guy said 100 shaves minimum to get competent.

Nice job on your first shave.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Keep watching videos. Practice strokes and angles to figure out what works best for you. I remember using a plastic knife for that. It won't be long before you find your comfort zone and are well on your way.
Congratulations on a great first step.

Pete <:-}

Congrats. Smart move, buying a cheap razor....they cut just as well as the expensive ones.

Good to hear you are getting going. Typically razor burn is cause by one or any combination of pressure, bad angle, poor stretching. It can only go up from here. I have had a razor burn or two over time. They heal, just give them time.