Thread: First Couple of Shaves

Well, I took the plunge and gave the str8 a try. I have two that a member provided me with, honed and ready. I was a little eager and was tired of waiting on my strop, so I used an old belt on the first go round with one razor and none with the second razor.

I wasn't going for a close shave, just trying not to cut myself. To my surprise, I nicked myself less than with my Merkur Futur. However, my first try was basically a rough, bulk hair removal of three days growth. It seemed like there was a lot of pull on my skin and I had to play with the angle a lot. It got to the point that hand position was pretty awkward...especially going with my non-dominant had. It was also hard to keep in mind all of the things that make for a good shave per Lynn's DVD. Skin tight, angle around 30 degrees, make sure lather has not dried out, short strokes, and watch out for those problem areas. The one real nic I got was on my chin...right where Lynn said was a problem area for lots of folks. The first shave looked like I have a days growth in a couple of patches that I was afraid to go back over...and I only went WTG to be safe.

I used the heavier razor on the first go because I am used to letting to weight of the razor to the work on my double edge. I used a lighter Genco for the second try. I still went WTG. I was mildly better than the first go, but I had trouble getting that gliding feel across my face and still had a lot of pulling. It was a little closer than the first pass...and I only had a small nic near the previous one on my chin. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

Not a bad start. Maybe a little more stropping as you go. You might also be thinking about it all too much.

Suggestion: Just keep at it. Be patient, take your time, pay attention to what you are doing, try and remember what you did that led up to those "ah-hah!" moments and try to replicate them.


Scott

I had an "Ah-ha" moment when in nicked my chin...LOL. How do you guys handle shaving with the left or non-dominant hand? Thanks.

I handle shaving with my non dominate
hand by going very carefully. If there
is an area I'm not comfortable shaving
with it I don't do it. It will come in time.
Do small areas at first and work your
way up to the larger areas. Have fun.

John

I'm unusually right handed - mono-dextrous as you might say. Trying to do anything delicate with my left hand is a guaranteed disaster. So although I know everybody recommends learning to shave with both hands I just daren't. Consequently I've gradually worked out ways of reaching all the awkward parts with just the one hand - it can be done, it's just ungainly. But I think the general advice is right and it would be simpler using both hands.

Originally Posted by RazorShrink

I had an "Ah-ha" moment when in nicked my chin...LOL. How do you guys handle shaving with the left or non-dominant hand? Thanks.

Practice. For me both hands were almost equally awkward at first, now they're nearly equally comfortable after a few weeks. Sounds like you're off to a good start, just give your skin a chance to recover if you can before shaving again if you have a lot of irritation. An alum block will help a LOT if you have trouble with ingrown hairs or razor burn.