Thread: Norm's First Straight Shave!

I've been shaving with a DE now for about six months, and through lots of trials and errors am getting some nice shaves. So it is with trepidation that I start down the newbie road again.
My razor is just an old Weck with a Fromm blade. I shaved my whole face with it, even the upper lip, with no nicks or weepers. Of course, the shave was lousy; missed spots and not very close (wtg only), and I had to clean up with my Fatboy. It reminded me of my first DE shave six months ago, which was cleaned up with a Fusion.
I am excited though, and hope to make progress in shaving with the straight. I'm looking now for a real beginner's razor so I can begin to learn stropping and honing. I see many of my friends from B&B are here as well, so I already feel at home!

Norm

Hi Norm and welcome

Sounds like you did well on your first straight shave. I think there's quite a few forum members who successfully transitioned from a DE to a straight.

Take a look at the buy, sell, trade forum - there's often good starter razors there. I know, for example, that JoshEarl often sells excellent quality starter razors for very fair prices. Depending on your budget, you can also get very good quality starter kits (which include strops etc.) from various members here. Just browse around, do a few searches - you'll see what I mean

James.

Norm,
Welcome! I made the leap somewhat recently and YMMV of course but I think you'll love the challenge and rewards!

Welcome Norm! I am another who made the jump from DE to straight recently. I still occasionally use my DEs, but I tend to miss using the straight.

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I've made three attempts with the Weck, and each shave is better than the last. I am very nearsighted, but I've never worn glasses while shaving. . . until now! The DE I can do by feel, but I really want to watch where that Fromm blade goes. I am terribly conscious of the fact that something very like a utility knife blade is traveling over my face. I'm still going WTG, but I tried some XTG today that worked pretty well. I'm still afraid of ATG! Maybe later on.

Norm

Way to go, Norm. Keep at it and you won't need to use that DE at all.

X

Time for an update!
Today, I shaved with my first real straight razor, an old Geneva Cutlery Corp. 5/8 that I bought shave-ready from The Invisible Edge, whom I can whole-heartedly recommend for the sale of vintage razors.
What a wonderful experience! I did three passes, with a little XTG on the third, and then cleaned up with a Gillette Red Tip. One of my nicest shaves to date! One little nick on my chin to touch with the styptic pencil. I can see that I'm going to enjoy this very much!
I admit I have a lot to learn, as I don't even have a hone yet, and ATG still scares me. I'm very impatiently awaiting arrival of Lynn's DVD, and I just got one of Tony Miller's starter strops. I also ordered one of the Dovo Best Quality razors on sale for SRP members at Vintage Blades.
Boy, I spent a lot of money on shaving this month!

Norm

Welcome don't worry most of use spend a lot also I know I did but it gets addicting lol , I am already hooked. But in the long run its worth it comfortable shaves and you won't have to spend so much on the DE's.