Thread: First Straight Razor Shave

Hey guys,

So about a week ago I posted asking for advice on where to start with straight razor shaving, and under a week later with all the great advice from everyone, I had a successful Straight Razor shave.

First I'll start with the equipment. I bought the straight razor, a Stichter & Son from the classifieds here from a very nice person. I purchased a poor mans strop from whipped dog along with some Colonel Conk soap but I figured I wasn't going to receive those in time for my first shave. So from there I went on amazon where I purchased the alum block, Nivea after shave because I have semi dry skin, the proraso since I heard it was one of the best, and an Omega boar brush which also hasn't came in yet.

Now for the shave. I borrowed a friends synthetic brush since mine hasn't came yet and let it soak in warm water while I showered. After I squeezed the water out and started to make a lather with the proraso soap which went alright. Then I lathered my face well for about 5 minutes. Then I was ready to shave. I started with my right side and used my right hand. Everything was going smooth from the side burn to jaw that I went ahead for the cheek. The cheek went well and I decided to do a some of my neck. The grain on my neck grows upwards so I went with the grain on the right side and got out with no nicks or cuts. Then I moved to my left side where I tried to use my right hand but felt to awkward so just used my left. Everything was going well so moved on to the rest of my face and made it out with only one nick from my left hand near the jaw. The shave was very close on my cheeks and side of the face but got less close around my necks which I was expecting. I did a couple passes to get areas I missed and at the end was very pleased with how my first shave went. I applied the slim block to everywhere I shaved and did the same with the Nivea. The next day I didn't have any irritated skin or any bumps come up like I used to get with cartridge shaving so that made me really happy.

Now for the problems I had, since I was making sure to take my time with each stroke, the proraso kept drying out on my face and started flaking. Was this because I didn't lather it enough or just the nature of the cream? Another thing I noticed I didn't pay enough attention to stretching my skin and along with lack of technique I'm sure, I felt some tugging and pulling.

Now I'm waiting for my strop to get to me so I can strop my razor before my next shave. A few questions that I have:
1) Is it the nature of proraso to dry out or was that an error on my part, or so all soaps and creams do the same.
2) How long should I wait to buy another razor because I'm already itching with RAD.
3) What are other safe places like the classifieds here to purchase razors or are there any places where you can walk in and buy vintage razors?
4) I didn't really think to much about it at the time but for dissenfecting the blade I just washed it with soap and ran it under hot water. I read that it should be enough since things can't really live on the metal for long. Was this enough? Or in the future should I purchase barbicide or something like it ?

Thanks again to everyone who gave me advice,

Nicolas

Fantastic,, Who hoo you are one happy shaver, My opinion only, When you first start out i would recommend only lathering half of face at a time cause yes it will dry out, Yes Proraso is kick but, What was your aftershave? Proraso has a real good sandlewood , Hey ya got the first one down without any issues, Any ?,s from here on out feel free to ask,, Happy Shavin!Ty Oh Ya let the RAD Begin.

Congrats, sounds like you are off to a good start.

Most of us shave very slowly and cautiously when starting out. That leaves the lather extra time to dry out than it otherwise would have. You might try just lathering the part of your face you are going to do right away and then lather the next part and so on. It also takes a bit of practice to get the soap/cream to water ratio right to make a long lasting lather. The last bit will come with time and practice.

Bob

Sounds like a great start. If your lather is drying out try a little bit more water as you build it, you can also re apply as you go. Not uncommon for it to be a bit dry while you take your time and learn. As for razors, never hurts to have a spare.
Hang around here long enough, you will end up with a couple of dozen in reserve...

Sent from a moto x far far away...

Originally Posted by Nicolas0103

A few questions that I have:
1) Is it the nature of proraso to dry out or was that an error on my part, or so all soaps and creams do the same.
2) How long should I wait to buy another razor because I'm already itching with RAD.
3) What are other safe places like the classifieds here to purchase razors or are there any places where you can walk in and buy vintage razors?
4) I didn't really think to much about it at the time but for dissenfecting the blade I just washed it with soap and ran it under hot water. I read that it should be enough since things can't really live on the metal for long. Was this enough? Or in the future should I purchase barbicide or something like it ?

Thanks again to everyone who gave me advice,

Nicolas

First of all congratulations on a fine first straight shave. I'll try to answer your questions the best that I can.
1. I can't help you with Proraso as I have never used it so follow the other poster's advice.
2. If you only have one razor I suggest that you get another pronto so you have it to fall back on when one is sent out for honing. Or heaven forbid you accidentally damage it.
3. Trust the classifieds here or go to Straight Razor Designs if you are looking for a new razor. Lynn and Don sell shave ready razors.
4. I give my razor a good stropping on linen when I'm through shaving to get the soap and crud off the blade. The only time I disinfect my blade is if I'm teaching a newbie how to shave with it. Just make sure you dry the scales and blade with a folded tissue to get all the moisture out. Oil with a quality gun oil or something similar and store it.

Look sharp and smell nice for the ladies. Benz

I did have some issues, it was harder to shave some places than others and getting the blade to shave those areas was tricky, shaving the neck with my left hand was very tough and missed parts here and there. thank you!

Originally Posted by Addison

Fantastic,, Who hoo you are one happy shaver, My opinion only, When you first start out i would recommend only lathering half of face at a time cause yes it will dry out, Yes Proraso is kick but, What was your aftershave? Proraso has a real good sandlewood , Hey ya got the first one down without any issues, Any ?,s from here on out feel free to ask,, Happy Shavin!Ty Oh Ya let the RAD Begin.

You're doing great and in the beginning we all missed spots. There is a learning curve to this hobby. Also if you can find a mentor that will help tremendously

The rest of the advise you've gotten is spot on and i really can't add anymore. Other than just shave the cream, enjoy and have fun

Congrats on your first shave and welcome to the forum. Always great deals in the B/S/T area to get your next razor or 6. Lather tends to dry out when you start out slowly, so just re-apply some or only lather part of your face at at time. No need for disinfectant if you clean and dry your razor after shaving. Be careful to avoid getting water in the pivot, or if you do, be sure to dry out and oil a bit as mentioned previously. Leave your razor out to dry fully before putting it away.

Update: Thank you everyone for the advice.My strop and Omega boar brush came in today and i completed my second shave. I took the advice and only lathered one side at a time. It went a lot better than the first one and everything felt a lot smoother. 2 full shaves only 2 nicks. I had a real problem trying to lather with the Colonel Conk soap that I ordered wit my strop so I switched to my Proraso. Maybe its because I didn't put the soap in a mug, instead i tried to lather in the plastic casing it came in? any advice on this would be appreciated.

If it was my soap I would put it in a bowl or mug of sorts, I have also read that "blooming" soaps can help with difficult soaps. Blooming is basically letting some warm water sit on top of the puck for a few minutes, then pour the water out and start lathering. Also there are lots of great videos on youtube that helped me tremendously when I first got started out. Have fun and good luck, hope this helps.

P.S. After blooming your soap instead of pouring out the water in the sink pour it in your hands and rub it all over your face. I forget where I saw this but dang is it slick.