Thread: My face's first time

So I got my first Straight today, a Wapi from Jonedangerousli, and it's a very nice blade.
I decided to give it a test run tonight, using a leather belt as a strop, since I still need to buy one. I couldn't just let it sit there lookin' all cool without giving it at least one test run.

The verdict...OW. But the places I did well is a very nice close shave Closest I've ever had in fact. Like, I didn't even know it was POSSIBLE to get that close.
I did manage to cut myself a few times, but I avoided removing my nose and/or slicing my neck or removing any other appendage, so all is well in the end. Even gave a stab at the chin area, which while by no means perfect, still came out better than I thought it did now that the blood has dried :P Good thing I bought a styptic pencil on the last trip to CVS.

I'm fairly certain my technique was terrible, and I should probably get Lynn's DVD and a good strop before diving into it too often, but I definitely want to get good at this.

Congradulations on your 1st str8 razor shave, Mike! let's hope that will be your worst str8 razor shave for the rest of your life, cause it can only get better and better from now on.

And just to think, you're shaving with an instrument that the average person on the street thinks is very dangerous! Do you know how cool that makes you?

There are a lot of really neat and helpful guys here if you ever have questions or need help. Don't be afraid to ask. There is a ton of good information on this forum.

Regards,

Steve

If your shave was close in some places, then your stropping must have been OK and your blade reasonably sharp. Assuming your face prep and lather were decnet, that means you just have to work on technique: blade angle, pressure, stroke direction, etc. It's a learning experience, but it's fun, and hopefully it won't be too long before you can leave the styptic pencil in the drawer. I rarely get a cut that a cold-water rinse won't fix.

Good job surviving the first round! I think you'll see the nicks and cuts become a rare occurance very quickly. Welcome to the land of straights!

Congratulations Mike! We'll be sending you the secret handshake soon.

Glad you like the Wapi.

Awesome Mike!
And remember, it can only get better.

While you are waiting for Lynn's DVD make sure you check out the library section of SRP. Heres the link, it has a tonne of useful info.

Also I know there are alot of videos of people, including Lynn, shaving and stropping. I can't remember where but seek and you will find. Or maybe someone else can post a link.

Good luck!

Cheers,

Ivan