No Blood Yet

Hi There!

Although I've been wet shaving with DEs for a long time, I recently decided to broaden my shaving experience (and thus my ability to further facilitate and expand my RAD) with taking up straight razors. Right now I'm working on what I perceive as core foundation skills of using a straight: Getting a feel for the angle(s), shaving with my off hand, and using a strop. In terms of the shave, I'm taking it slow and sticking with the cheeks for now...so far no blood's been drawn but haven't got to my chin, throat, or under my nose yet, so plenty of opportunities await for some carnage once I start shaving those areas! lol Seriously, I'm in no rush and have no expectations right now for great shaves with a straight--I figure good shaves will come in time and with practice.

I've enjoyed lurking the boards and have learned a lot and really appreciate the collective wisdom and knowledge that's available here--plus, it'll be nice being able reach out when questions come up that I can't find answers to with a search or etc. or just to shoot the breeze!

So thanks again for the welcome aboard!

Cheers,
Jay

Welcome. Take your time. It gets easier and easier.

Welcome to SRP.

Welcome to SRP!!
There's a lot of great info and folks here. Enjoy and have fun!

Remember, just shave the cream off your face

There are some good guys in Denver, they can help you with technique and getting the razor properly sharp for you. One on be is the best. Reach out to your local members, they do a meet up at the Garluc Knot a couple times a Year. Stropping is the most important aspect of this hobby, along with KNOWING how to shave, your doing good by going slow. Tc

Hello and welcome to SRP!
You're approaching this the right way. Slow and steady wins the race.
Stay in your comfort zone.
Enjoy your time here on the forum!


Pete <:-}

Welcome, sounds like you are approaching this with the right attitude.

I like you came from DEs, but now I never use anything but straights.

Enjoy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mrchick

Welcome. Take your time. It gets easier and easier.

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And just when you're feeling confident and a little too comfortable:

:tameshigiri:

Best find some wood to knock on OP.

But congratulations on your success so far. Have fun, the RAD rabbit hole only gets deeper.

Welcome Jay - are you currently serving? A straight is a great addition to a field bag - I use to use them in the field instead of disposables or electrics. Learned to shave without a mirror - didn't do a great job but it passed muster.

Welcome and best of luck!

Adam

Good thing you sort of "knocked on wood" by mentioning the likely possibility of drawing blood in the near future as you progress to more difficult areas of your face. The mustache area in particular is challenging due to limited space and the nose/lips being close together. I'm sure you will do fine given your patience. Keep up the good work! :)

Thanks all for your warm welcome!

Will endeavor to just stick to shaving off whiskers and cream, Dieseld! Adam, I'm in the reserves these days--been doing the military thing for over 33 years, so am starting to draw near the end of my time. Wish I had thought about straights back in the day--they'd be perfect for the field!

Gotta laugh about drawing blood--nicked my upper lip with my DE the other morning while working on my offhand shaving...go figure!

Spot on with the confidence gif, Marshal! Definitely see that straights are a way far deeper RAD rabbit hole.... ;) Once I know my way around the ropes and etc., I may tinker with some restorations, as I'd love to do a couple of nice pieces for both my nephews. I lured them both into wet shaving this past year (they're both in their early 30s). One nephew loved the DE and setup I got him, the other was a bit tentative about the razor aspect, so I may wait a bit before I spring straights on 'em (plus, I gotta know the ropes first)!

Definitely am taking my time with this journey--already seeing that I need to switch to slicker lathers and also adjust my water/soap ratios and lathering technique (basically adjusting to less cushion and getting more glide). I use aggressive DEs and love how one pass with my straight (starting with a RA 6/8s w/ French point from SRD) is BBS--definitely will surpass my DEs once I get the knack of it!

Cheers,
Jay