You are all invited to my induction into the Red Cross Hall of Fame

The good news: I overcame no small degree of trepidation and did my first straight razor shave. I was able to use my new "thanks for donating a gallon of blood" shirt to clean things up.

I had watched Lynn's video several times and, cue the hubris, thought it looked pretty easy. I think I may have messed up Lynn's beautiful edge on my new razor with Tony's beautiful strop that was handled by a true novice. At least I didn't cut my hand like I did the other day. You get interesting reactions from people when you tell them that you've cut your hand shaving.

I think the only thing I can do it push on and try to get it right. Despite the burning sensations, the cuts, the terrible shave and the blood-loss induced shock that initially caused me to post this on a crocheting forum (sorry ladies), I think my technique is going to evolve and this will truly be a positive experience.

I am excited to be getting into the domain of the straight and thank all of you for your insight, time and consideration. I hope to be able to give something back at some point. . . anyone need about 4 pints of A negative?

Welcome to SRP! As long as you've got a styptic pencil primed and ready, you should be good on the bloodletting part. It sounds like you're well on your way to a great, bloodless shave:tu

Hey Nick --

(And I'm guessing that's a pseudonym? If not, serendipity strikes again...) After doing this for a few months, what you recount sounds familiar, both from my experience, and from what I've read hereabouts. There's a lot of great info here, and I certainly benefitted from it.

So many great tips, but for me the most ah-ha provoking steps have been: good prep (only shave after a shower); stropping with light strokes; SHAVING with the lightest of strokes. Then, once I'd stopped using one styptic pencil per shave, I found that the idea of "leading with the point" of the razor to be very helpful. (This is something you'll see discussed at length.)

You do have what I'd consider to be the prime prerequisite: a sense of humor!

Cheers,

Roger

That is great, Nick, whether or not it's your actual name! You are destined to succeed at this, just from that login and from reading your post.

Bummer things got so bloody, but A+ on persistance and on being a good sport. Were there particular problem areas or pretty much everywhere? Heal up a bit and start with the areas that were most successful next time.