Thread: I drew first blood (but not that much)

This morning was my first shave with a straight razor (I've been already using a brush and a soap since almost three years and a DE, a brush and a cream since a few months). That was some experience.

I was very happy to discover the DE thanks first to my wife (Hourray!) who pointed me to Mantic's videos and B&B a few months ago. It gave me the pleasure of me shaving (for the first time ever) with a smooth and nice shave (without skin burns or ingrowing hairs). And even if I'm interested in using a straight, I think I will not let it down (I'm using a Merkur Vision, a birthday present from my wife).

So I was interested to try a straight and, having read this forum all over, I decided to commit to my desire. So I bought a Le Grelot 6/8 with a 1/4 grind as my first weapon (and, having been infected by the virus, already bought a Wade & Butcher and a Royal crown from SRP members on ebay... and, thanks God, I have a wonderful wife who supports my folly with a nice TI with a Griffon on the scales.)

Let's go back to the topic: Even if I am a right hander, I used my left hand to shave the left part of my face. I must say I was surprised how smooth this first shave went: I only did two passes WTG. The result was not a very close shave (I can use my DE for ATG if needed until I'm comfortable with the straight) but a very smooth one (actually, I prefer a comfortable shaving as a close one...) Only two little cuts - on the right side of my face... dammit... I thought the left will suffer more - (they stop to bleed by themselves): one on the jawline and one on my ear (will look in the mirror next time ). I think I will continue to practice the next months: the two first passes with the straight WTG and the third ATG with the DE... does this seems reasonable ?

To finish, just wanted to thank you guys... your forum is wonderful and really helping.

BTW Thank you Tony for the strop, it's gorgeous !