Thread: First SR Shave

Originally Posted by Porl

It took me a good while before I was getting close shaves with a straight. I did a clean up with my DE razor for a few weeks before I could show my face in public with just a straight shave.

You are doing the right thing taking it slowly, don't worry about not being ambidextrous. I went with using both hands right away and I was surprised at how quickly I became comfortable using my left hand.

Keep at it and don't be discouraged when the shaves aren't great, they will improve. I have to just add that when I let my beard grow out for a few days the first shave is never as comfortable as when I shave every day. That could just well be me, but worth considering in the future.

Good luck and enjoy.

Just one other thing and not everyone agrees with this one, but personally I am not a fan of the stands that put my razor close to my brush. They look great, but just be really careful that the wet brush doesn't allow your blade to become wet or even damp as rust will get a hold very quickly. My razors are left out to dry after I have cleaned them and stored away from the bathroom.

Thanks for the encouragement. Actually, I've used my electric for cleanup, since I had never wet shaved before. As far as the stand, I was also worried about the brush touching the razor and had turned the blade away from the razor. It seems to work with this brush, but it may not with a more full (?) brush.

It sounds like you are off to a good start now. As I previously said it took me quite a while before I could ditch my old method of shaving altogether.

The top lip can be difficult because the nose does get in the way and can prevent you form getting the right angle. You will find your own way to get around this. For me I tend to come in slightly from the sides but still with a downward stroke. Once you get more comfortable with holding the razor you will find these things become more intuitive.

For three shaves you seem to be doing very well indeed. I wasn't getting close for a week or two. For me the issue was not the angle, but rather too much pressure. When you shave especially under your nose reduce the pressure, even to the point where it almost seems that you are holding the razor off you face. I know that seem counter-intuitive but give it a go and see what you think.

For me, I kept trying different things, if it worked it stayed in my routine, if not, I tried something else.

The other alternative is grow a moustache, it is Movember after all

Stick with it and I guarantee that you will look back on these early successes as being relatively poor shaves. You will improve that much, give it a couple of months and you will see what I mean. I have been at it for about 18 months and I was wet shaving with a DE for a good number of years before that. I am still improving and I can now feel when an edge is right for me or not. It is a long journey, but it is a fun and rewarding one too.

Originally Posted by Porl

It sounds like you are off to a good start now. As I previously said it took me quite a while before I could ditch my old method of shaving altogether.

The top lip can be difficult because the nose does get in the way and can prevent you form getting the right angle. You will find your own way to get around this. For me I tend to come in slightly from the sides but still with a downward stroke. Once you get more comfortable with holding the razor you will find these things become more intuitive.

For three shaves you seem to be doing very well indeed. I wasn't getting close for a week or two. For me the issue was not the angle, but rather too much pressure. When you shave especially under your nose reduce the pressure, even to the point where it almost seems that you are holding the razor off you face. I know that seem counter-intuitive but give it a go and see what you think.

For me, I kept trying different things, if it worked it stayed in my routine, if not, I tried something else.

The other alternative is grow a moustache, it is Movember after all

Stick with it and I guarantee that you will look back on these early successes as being relatively poor shaves. You will improve that much, give it a couple of months and you will see what I mean. I have been at it for about 18 months and I was wet shaving with a DE for a good number of years before that. I am still improving and I can now feel when an edge is right for me or not. It is a long journey, but it is a fun and rewarding one too.

Thanks. I'll try that above the top lip tomorrow.

I'm now 5 shaves in and can made it around my face pretty much (almost) nick-free. Shaving is a much less stressful affair now. With the scuttle that came in 2 days ago, I look forward to the warm lather and am now moving towards daily shaves from every-other day shaves. Still have trouble with the right half of the top lip, but that should sort itself out with more practice. Haven't had the guts to try the scooping approach I read about on the forum...maybe one day...I will say that my skin has never been this smooth with the built-in exfoliation the SR razor provides. Wish I had started this 20 years ago...

I think this brings to an end the start-up phase of my SR shaving story, and so I'd like to thank everyone for the advice I've been receiving. From here on out, it looks like skills should keep improving with continued practice. Thanks again everyone!