Thread: Attempted first straight razor shave

So I just attempted my first straight razor shave. Holy molie, talking about sketchy.
The blade was not shave ready as I found out on the first few down passes. I should've known better but was in a hurry since I just got my first razor, a nice used dovo off eBay. The closeness of that shaver was that of a cheap disposable. I was like " there is no way in hell i'm continuing on with this" and finished the shave with my old Mach razor. So yeah I rushed it and luckily I didn't get hurt.
I don't have a strop or shaving soap yet. They are on the way. I'm sending the razor I just bought to Lynn and have it honed. Learned a valuable lesson today. WHEW!

Sending to Lynn was smart.

Follow Lynn's advice on starting slow and only doing cheeks to start.

Stick with it bro. I would say "patience" is an important part of "technique" when beginning. Had a sketchy experience under similar circumstances my first shave as well. Trust me that first pass or two with Lynn's edge will put you in a Zen like bliss.

I would suggest getting a web belt and butter knife and start practicing stropping while you wait. Watch some of the videos out there (Glen, Lynn, and check the sticky in honing "Stroptober")
The quicker you get to the point of quality stropping the better off your edge will be and you. There's a chance that your "beginning" stropping will reduce the amount of shaves you'll get before needing a refresh from Lynn's honing.

Also I'd throw your location in your profile. There's a good chance a member/mentor will reach out. One on one is the BEST.

Hang in there and keep the faith...it'll come.

Jer

A good soap and a nice brush will improve you shave no matter what you shave with.
When you have a your razor back, keep your skin tight with holding and stretching and your blade angle quite low with the spine just a couple thicknesses of the spine off your skin. Stay in your comfort zone and proceed as you get a better feel for your hold on the razor. You will be able to tell you are holding it right because it will be comfortable and controlled.

Lesson well learned. You should be amazed at how much difference there will be. Thanks for sharing your experience for others to benefit from.

Don't Evah want to hear.....but I was in a hurry....that's when you pay the price and end up being Scarface...lol

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Don't Evah want to hear.....but I was in a hurry....that's when you pay the price and end up being Scarface...lol

LOL bin there done that!

As Dave said, good choice sending it to Lynn for honing.

Be patient and take your time. If I'm in a hurry I use a DE safety razor. It's not worth rushing, this is a hobby to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Go slow, have fun and enjoy

Yeah so I asked the seller of my new razor if it needed to be honed and stopped. It does. So yeah started off with a dull razor without good soap and was in a hurry. I think I'll take it one step at a time now. I do have to admit it's like learning how to shave all over again.
Holding the razor with my left is really weird to me.

Originally Posted by Eth727

Yeah so I asked the seller of my new razor if it needed to be honed and stopped. It does. So yeah started off with a dull razor without good soap and was in a hurry. I think I'll take it one step at a time now. I do have to admit it's like learning how to shave all over again.
Holding the razor with my left is really weird to me.

Practice with a butter knife. Believe me it works[emoji1]