Thread: Should I Shave Before I try my Straight Razor for the first time?

If all goes according to plan, I should have my new straight razor tomorrow. I was wondering, I have a bit of a beard right now, nothing like grizzly adams, but a little long. Would it be a good idea to shave tonight so that I'm only working with stubble the first time I try to shave with a straight razor? Thanks.

I just started straight razor shaving and my first attempt was with about 3 days growth and my second with basic stubble and I had a much easier time with the stubble and found the razor performed better throughout the shave (i.e. I didn't have to restrop mid-shave). My two cents for starting out.

Two days growth seems to me to be pretty nice. That's the way I first tried it.

Have fun!!!

and PAY ATTENTION!!!

It's certainly more than 2 days' growth, I wouldn't try to shave with a Mach3 right now without first buzzing.

One or two day's worth of stubble shouldn't make any difference but if you're talking about a significant beard then I think that would be an unnecessary complication for your first shave.

Ok, thanks, I guess I'll buzz it off tonight then.

One of the many benefits of the str8 is the fact that it doesnt clog like cartridge razors do. So, you do not have to trim or anything before you use your str8.

Now, assuming that you are getting your brand new str8 razor from a honemeister and not just from a company, it should be sharp and ready to go. IF its just arriving from what ever store you decided to purchase it from you will need to have it honed. You can PM me or any of the honemeisters on the site.

As far as shaving off that chin mullet, here's what you'll need to do.
Take a nice long hot shower and completely shampoo your beard, even if its just a weeks worth or what ever. Then you need to make sure that you condition it thoroughly. This is an important step, IMHO, regardless of beard/no beard. Then you'll have to make sure that you completely lather up your beard, the usual swipe the brush across your face will not work here. You'll probably have to actually use your fingers to work the lather all the way down to your skin. It doesnt matter how soft and saturated the hair is above your face, only whats up against your skin, so pay close attention to detail here. Then, once your satisfied that your have prepped well, you're ready to go.

I personally find that I get better shaves after a day or two's worth of growth.

Most importanly, Enjoy the shave!

I think it would best to buzz off the beard , and do your first shaves with 1-3 days of growth . Your first shave should be kept as simple as can be . My biggest challenge on my first shave was getting up the balls to take that insanely sharp blade , and slice hair off my face with it . It's going to take time (months , not days) to develop your technique . Although you can easily (so I've heard , I haven't tried it) shave a full beard off with a straight razor , I wouldn't reccommed a newb to try doing it , especially on the first shave .

I would trim my beard down to at least 1/4 inch and take your time. dont be in a rush. you have a lifetime to learn. I agree that get the hair saturated with lather and rub it in. Again take your time, close the door so you have no interuptions.
Robert

FWIW, I've just started straight shaving, but the entire process is much easier for me when I've got a day or two's worth of whisker growth. Any thing more than that before you're used to the straight might result in applying more pressure and more irritation. So I'd say trim it first.