Thread: my first shave

My mother gave me an old straight as a gift for Christmas as I had been talking about switching. My wife then got me the rest of what I need for my b-day (today). So, I got one of Tony's strops (although I didn't use the good one, just the practice/starter strop). I also have a shavemac silvertip and some col. conk soap.

Eariler in Jan. I sent the razor off to be sharpened and recieved it in return this week. Last night I watched Lynn's DVD which my wife also purchased (she gave it to me at midnight, on my b-day).

So, this morning for the first time I stropped my razor and used a brush for lather. It was a good experience overall. It wasn't exactly a close shave. I didn't have any major cuts, I had one minor nick that bled just a touch, and two what I would call scratches around my chin, they looked on the virge of bleeding but didn't bleed. One thing, I think the razor should have been sharper. It's entirely possible my strop technique did more harm than good. The razor felt like it was pulling on my hair a little. I expected more of a clean "gliding" feel during the shave. Any thoughts on what it should feel like?

So, I was thinking of maybe giving the razor a few swaps on my new norton 4k/8k (on the 8k side of course). I've been sharpening my own knives since I was a kid and can get a good edge, so I imagine I could do a decent job on the razor. And I think the next time I shave I probably need to hold the strop a bit tighter.

In any case, I'm happy to be among the str8 shavers now. I certainly had a feeling afterward like I had just graduated or something.

Welcome to the club ! I think your first shave went better than most that I've read about . It's normal to think your razor isn't sharp enough on your first shave but remember , IT'S YOUR FIRST SHAVE ! Your technique hasn't even begain to develop , yet . You most likely won't even feel like you're begining to know what you're doing , until around your sixth shave . Give it some time , and your shaving and stropping will improve .

BTW , I doubt your stropping hurt your edge . I think that as long as you keep the strop reasonably taught , strop in the proper direction , and don't lift the spine , it would be virtualy impossible to hurt the edge .

Originally Posted by dave5225

BTW , I doubt your stropping hurt your edge . I think that as long as you keep the strop reasonably taught , strop in the proper direction , and don't lift the spine , it would be virtualy impossible to hurt the edge .

If you ever watch an actor stroppping a razor they'll be doing it wrong. Anyone copying what they've seen will dull the edge and I suspect that this happens a lot.

Originally Posted by Timeo Danaos

If you ever watch an actor stroppping a razor they'll be doing it wrong. Anyone copying what they've seen will dull the edge and I suspect that this happens a lot.

HA! A friend of mine just got cast in a play where he has to shave someone... I made an appointment with him to teach him how to do it right.

I'd avoid the stone for a while yet. Strop 30-50 laps (sounds like a pain at first and can be slow) and then do HHT, if this passes the the edge is probably fine. On your next shave use shorter strokes so you can more easily adjust the angle of the blade, (I find this easier and less scary than changing too much on the fly), this will help to get away from that pulling feeling.

Originally Posted by gomez

I'd avoid the stone for a while yet. Strop 30-50 laps (sounds like a pain at first and can be slow) and then do HHT, if this passes the the edge is probably fine. On your next shave use shorter strokes so you can more easily adjust the angle of the blade, (I find this easier and less scary than changing too much on the fly), this will help to get away from that pulling feeling.

Thanks. I'll try that.

Oh, and thanks to everyone for the feedback.