Thread: First few shaves (i.e. First Blood...)

I'll keep this newbie journal running for a week. Maybe some future newbie will benefit on a search.

Upon reflection, one of the main differences between DE and my fledgling rounds with straight shaving is that I don't yet have the confidence and skills to go ATG with my straight razor. An ATG pass is critical with my DE in order to produce a good, close shave. I can't imagine that I'll ever surpass my DE results until I can go ATG.

Day 4
Oh what a difference a day makes. Yesterday's bad cut is healed enough that I'm safe to shave again.

As planned, I returned to the 5/8 today.

I'm definitely getting better. I was able to accomplish WTG and XTG without spilling any blood! Oh joy!

I even managed to work out a better result on my chin. I employed Lynn's technique of saving the chin until last and then reapplying lather. Making silly contorted faces seems to be one of the keys to getting this area right.

Since I was on a roll (i.e. not bleeding yet), the obvious next step was to go ATG on my neck. I did a few contortions trying to get the right combination of grip, blade angle, and stretched skin. It just wasn't coming together. The blade was skipping and I was clearly headed for trouble.

I stopped.

Two passes with no cuts is a success. No need to punish myself. (Besides, I've already got three cuts healing. Not a great look for the office. )

I did complete an ATG pass with my DE. This final touch gave me a beautifully finished shave. BBS with no irritation or cuts. Very, very nice.

I'm going to accept the compromise of finishing with a DE ATG pass for awhile. There is a lot of room for improvement in the rest of my technique. No need to suffer with lousy shaves while I learn.

All in all, I'm delighted today.

Originally Posted by Buzz

I can't imagine that I'll ever surpass me DE results until I can go ATG.

Congratulations on your progress! But don't be surprised if you think the above statement is false in another month or so.

Originally Posted by SteveS

Congratulations on your progress! But don't be surprised if you think the above statement is false in another month or so.

Really?

You're telling me that it is possible to get a straight shave that is really BBS without doing an ATG pass?

Hmm.... I sure hope you're right.

Hi Buzz,

While I'm not happy to hear about the results of your first shave, at least I don't feel alone. My fears that I somehow ruined the edge of my razor with my clumsy stroping are slowly receding. I think someone with no straight razor shaving experience ought to put out a video to watch alongside Lynn's, sort of a before and after. I'm going to try my second shave tonight. To us both, good luck.

Originally Posted by Nick Burns

I think someone with no straight razor shaving experience ought to put out a video to watch alongside Lynn's, sort of a before and after.

I take it you are looking for a "What not to do" type video.

Good news. That already exists.

Originally Posted by Buzz

Really?

You're telling me that it is possible to get a straight shave that is really BBS without doing an ATG pass?

Hmm.... I sure hope you're right.

Yes, it is possible to get close to if not a BBS shave in one pass with a great edge, very good skin stretching, correct blade angles, and practice.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Yes, it is possible to get close to if not a BBS shave in one pass with a great edge, very good skin stretching, correct blade angles, and practice.

Good to know. Hopefully Nick & I will get there eventually.

I was never one to shoot for BBS every time even with my DE. I don't need BBS every day, but it is nice to have option for those important occassions.