Just one second of inattention
I had been pretty proud of myself lately. I've been shaving with a straight for a bit over a month, and have seen steady improvement - the shaves getting smoother, closer, and with less irritation and burn, and the nicks getting farther and farther between. In fact, I hadn't really cut myself since my first shave, when, while admiring my manly image in the mirror, I moved the razor lengthwise along my chin. I've had a few nicks and a weeper or two, but really not many - less, in fact, than I used to get from the Mach3.
So, tonight, I come in from work looking forward to my shave time. I hit the shower, prepped, and stropped my razor for the night, an 8/8ths Fred Broeker spike (this is my first straight, and the one I cut myself with before). First pass WTG, everything is great. The extra time on the strop really makes a difference. Lather up again. Second pass, ATG. At this point I'm thinking that this is my best shave yet. Not quite BBS everywhere, but close enough. Just let me get those few problem children on my chin, and I'll finally have a shave worthy of posting in SOTD.
Shoulda seen it coming. As I was switching hands to get one last spot, I somehow managed to stab myself in the chin. Best cut I've had yet. Didn't really hurt, but bled to beat the band. In fact, as I type this, I still have a hunk of toilet paper stuck on my chin.
Oh, well. I consider it a valuable lesson learned. One must respect that blade ALL the time, especially when one starts to feel comfortable with it.
Next time I'll do better, I promise. Oh, and by the way...it was still one heck of a good shave.
Dave