First shave, no cuts!

So I just went for it, and I must say I'm pleased. I've got a little bit of burn, but it's relatively small and better than how I sometimes ended up with a safety razor. And best of all, no cuts! (Except for going over a pimple or something, but I don't count that.) I didn't get as close a shave everywhere as I hoped, especially down around the Adam's apple, but that's just because I was afraid of killing myself.

I didn't use any sort of pre- or post-shave treatments, just a hot shower and soap, but I think that would make it much more comfortable. Any suggestions? I've heard favorable things about using an alum block, maybe I'll pick one up somewhere...

Hey Abram! Congrats on the first shave...it's very exciting.

When shaving around the Adam's apple, it is suggested to stretch the skin to the side, so you're not shaving right over top of the AA.

Pre-shave and Post-shave is where it's at, man. You'll have to experiment to find what you like best. I suggest, just once, trying steam towels during the shave. You might never go back. Also, many guys here use the alum block pre- and post-shave. You can pick one up HERE.

Order the free samples of Shaving Oil, Cream, and Balm from Art of Shaving. That should give a little insight into some of the options out there. Or just check out the Shave of the Day forum and see what everyone is using.

welcome welcome... Excellent to hear of the successful first shave. To come out unscathed is good. Alum block is a good thing to use after the shave and get yourself some nice aftershave and you're set!!

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Originally Posted by cwrighta70

I suggest, just once, trying steam towels during the shave. You might never go back.

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How does one steam the towels? Wet them and microwave? Steaming water from the tap seems like it would be the easiest, but I don't have nearly hot enough tap water.

Oh, and I looked around but I can't seem to find the free samples from Art of Shaving. Are they through Art of Shaving themselves, or though retailers/resellers?

Here's a current thread talking about steam towels. I find it easiest to soak them in HOT water and then ring them out. Others like the microwave method.

For the samples go HERE and click on "Email". Then just ask them about shaving samples. Then they'll ask for your shipping address and WA-LA!

No one has yet mentioned or asked if you use a badger brush to lather?
If you do not have one yet I strongly recommend getting one if not a badger brush atleast a boar hair one.

Excellent work!

Isn't straight shaving fun!

Now then - BE CAREFUL!

I also had a cut free first shave.

I let my mind wander on shave #2 ("this stuff is so easy!") and *SNICK* Yeeee-OW:cry:

Same thing happened with my first two DE shaves. the first was nick free, the second one is the one that got me!:cen

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Originally Posted by Seraphim

Excellent work!

Isn't straight shaving fun!

Now then - BE CAREFUL!

I also had a cut free first shave.

I let my mind wander on shave #2 ("this stuff is so easy!") and *SNICK* Yeeee-OW:cry:

Same thing happened with my first two DE shaves. the first was nick free, the second one is the one that got me!:cen

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Me too with the slice on shavce two! Except I wasn't even making a pass with the razor, I just caught myslef with the tip in between passes!

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Originally Posted by Amyn

No one has yet mentioned or asked if you use a badger brush to lather?
If you do not have one yet I strongly recommend getting one if not a badger brush atleast a boar hair one.

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I have a boar hair one now, and I really like the lather that you can get with a brush. It's way more pleasant than your standard shaving gels or creams from a can. I already have a strong compulsion to buy a nice badger brush, though. I'm gonna force myself to wait about a month, I think, just to keep the impulse buys to a minimum...

Great Job!!:tu But remember its like riding a motorcycle.Ones who havent and ones who will! Be careful:tu