Newbie here and first results

Hi all,

First of all this forum/website is truly awesome and I've been picking up alot of information and tips from everyone. Thanks to everyone here.

I've always been interested in straight razor shaving since I was a kid, having seen it done in numerous films, TV shows and seeing how grandpa used to do it. Like most all guys in my generation, I started shaving with the typical mach3 razors, which I always thought was very dull but effective. I've always been very particular with my colognes/aftershaves and always romanticized the whole process of grooming and prepping myself. Yet, I never had the time or the resource to get into straight razors though it was always there in the back of my mind. Then fast forward like 12 years later and I stumble upon this site and I was hooked!

I found a nice cutlery store near where I live that had a small section for straight razors and accessories. At first, when I looked at the prices of the razors, I thought they were a bit pricey but I thought about it, how much money I waste on disposable razors a year cost way more than 1 straight razor and a straight razor would last a long time with proper care, so I dove in and got my first razor, a Dovo "Special".

Once I got my strop and studying various videos and this website, I finally took the plunge in. Surprisingly, my first shave was increbible (compared to alot of first time experiences on here) at that time, it was the best shave I've had and I've used electric razors, mach3/fusion and all that jazz. Of course I still got to pefect my technique but straight razor shaving seemed so natural to me. No nicks, no rash/irritation and it was such a relaxing experience, I felt like a million bucks afterwards. Since then I've shaved about 4 more times and I've been getting better and better. I look foward to being a part of this great straight shaving community.

Wow, I wrote alot.

Welcome to SRP! We're glad to have you on board!!

It's neat that you have a retail store by you that sells razors! That's not something you'll find everywhere you go...

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Originally Posted by kasperitis

It's neat that you have a retail store by you that sells razors! That's not something you'll find everywhere you go...

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Seriously. I've been looking for a long long time and I know they have one or two razors in antique shops but this cutlery store sold brand new ones. If I remember correctly they carried about 10 different dovo razors and they had 1 strop, various brushes and mugs and soaps. The store specializes in knives, swords and newer collectibles. The price was fair for my razor compared with the prices I've seen.

Congratulations on the razor and shaves.

I think that you have provided the piece of the puzzle that I was missing. My pals in the gym use an assortment of Mach 3, some use the Atra, others use the super speed. The older ones tend to use double edge razors. I think that you have explained why I am seeing what I am. People tend to stick with what they got when they first started shaving and are reluctant to switch to anything. I was wondering why that was the case.

Welcome to SRP. You have had an exceptional start! There are a bunch a guys out there saying, "way couldn't that have been me?" Way to go!

I'm one of the guys that had a less than favorable first shave. Although I was using a shavette. They get better every time. Nice work on the first time.

so I just had my lastest shave, the first time I've done 2 passes and a touch up pass. I didn't know how close and smooth you could get your face but this is possibly my closest shave yet!:cool:

I think the hardest part for me was going across the grain with my opposite hand (I'm a lefty so my right hand is what is hard to control) and I haven't dared to do much against the grain yet.

I do all my XTG passes with my dominate hand. From ear to chin.

Welcome aboard and congrats on your shave!

Congradulations! Most newbees aren't that successful with their first shave. -

Out of curiosity, did you get the razor honed? - because they aren't shave ready new out of the box. Most aren't even successful with a sharp razor - due to poor stropping techniques.

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I do all my XTG passes with my dominate hand. From ear to chin.

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I thought I was the only one that went ear to chin, though I use the opposite hand.

I go from ear to chin, right-handed in both cases. Although I do the N-S on my cheeks ambi.

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I do all my XTG passes with my dominate hand. From ear to chin.

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The same except on the sides of the neck, where the hair grows sideways. All one-handed.

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Originally Posted by zepplin

Congradulations! Most newbees aren't that successful with their first shave. -

Out of curiosity, did you get the razor honed? - because they aren't shave ready new out of the box. Most aren't even successful with a sharp razor - due to poor stropping techniques.

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Actually the dovo "special" came straight out of the box, I stropped it for 30 laps, lathered myself up and went in for my first stroke on my chin. It felt surprisingly smooth and was cutting the hair flawlessly. I've read about getting a new razor shave ready but decided to try it out anyways. I also did the HHT test and it passed the test.

I'm still a newb, but looking at what everyone is suggesting I got a norton 4k/8k stone. I still haven't honed that razor yet since it's been cutting pretty nicely. I also got the red dovo place and an extra hanging strop. Any other suggestions?? As for my technique so far I've been stropping it before every shave and I let it rest for a day or so.

I actually just put myself down for one of thos pre-honed wapi's that mike is getting together so maybe I can gauge the difference in sharpness when he gets those razors honed and out to me.


But it's pretty strange, straight razor shaving felt so natural to me, almost like deja vu feeling. eh, I must have been a barber in my pastlife or something!? :D

Sounds like you're doing pretty good. All
you need now is Pinaud Clubman and you'll
be golden :tu .

John

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Originally Posted by snakeoiltanker

But it's pretty strange, straight razor shaving felt so natural to me, almost like deja vu feeling. eh, I must have been a barber in my pastlife or something!? :D

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Yours is an amazing story for a newbee. Most are not that successful their first time out of the box.

I, too, was quite successful on my first shave, (with a Feather). I have always been a good shaver; like you, it was just very natural for me. - but it really took me a while to "get-it" in regard to stropping once I switched to real straights. When good stropping techniques kicked in for me, my shaves improved 1000%.

Now, if you are this successful with honing, I will really be in awe. :bow That is one art form that I, for one, will be learning for the rest of my life. I've become pretty good, but I will always have more to learn. One reason for that is that I keep raizing the bar for attaining the best edges and shaves that I can.

Best of luck to you, and again, congradulations! :tu

Regards,

Steve