Thread: First shave and stropping

I wouldn't worry about what it does on your arm. When you shave next you'll have the answer.

Thanks for that. Trouble is if it behaved differently before and afterwards maybe there's something wrong.
Maybe it still had oil on it from the packaging though.
As you'll say I'll try tomorrow and see how it goes.

I'm left handed and couldn't get a good angle on my right cheek trying with either hand.
Just keep trying I guess.

This isn't the easiest type of shaving there is. It takes time to learn how to shave on your non dominant side, but with a lot of practice and time you'll get it.
Try using a butter knife to get the "feeling" of shaving that side. Muscle memory will get you where it is good to go

Thanks for that, good idea.
I've used that on the strop but hadn't thought of it for my face.
Was worried I'd get the angles wrong and I'd end up taking my nose off or something when shaving the other side....

Yep, The non-dominant hand is kinda tough. It took me a couple weeks just to get to the point of not being afraid of what I might do. It still feels odd in that hand and I have to keep switching hands just to check to be sure I'm holding it right. Time will make it all better. I too am left handed. We are the ones in our right minds. At least that what my mom told me. ha.

Had another go. Stropped beforehand and tried shaving a bit. It felt slightly more natural than last time and I shaved a bit on both sides. Tried the chin and under the chin although it was more of a wave than a shave. Finished off with my DE.

Tried a few laps on the barber's hone afterwards, stropped again and shaved a few hairs on my arm.
Tried shining a light on the edge and using my thumb pad as well.
Keep practicing I guess

Since you are new you should leave the honing till it needs it. You are far more likely to damage the edge than sharpen it. You should also up the stropping to more like 50 laps. Good luck with your shaves and remember that in the beginning the shaves will be rough till you get the technique down