First shave (of many)

Hi everyone, greetings from Slovenia!

I have been reading this forum for some time now and have decided to buy a Wapienica. I ordered it and a dovo strop from The Invisible Edge and received it today (really good service, got here in 3 days and we're talking international shipping). The shaving was really an intense experience, to say the least :D but I got through with no cuts and only slight razor burn on a small area of my throat. It wasn't the closest shave I ever had, but by far the most satisfying ...

I had some problems with manuevering around the chin, but I'll figure it out. Had to finish there with my Merkur HD.

All in all, I have conquered the beast and lived to tell the tale :D

Welcome and congratulations. You've taken your first step into a rich and rewarding experience. Don't worry about the chin and neck part, you'll pick of up. They are the most difficult parts to learn. Take short strokes on the chin and try to adjust the angle of the blade as the chin curves. The necks usually pretty sensitive when your starting off. Make sure to learn how the hair is growing and shave accordingly.

Good luck,

Patrick

Congrats on the first str8 shave!

Steve at The Invisible Edge is excellent to deal with and he also offers a honing service too.

+1 for Steve and his honing service.........top guy!

I used to finish with the DE, but now I get very presentable shaves. You'll hear it time and time again.....work on your blade angle, and STRETCH THAT SKIN!!! That was the biggest break through for me, I believe. Slowly but surely you will see improvements, just keep at it, working on the basics.....light touch, angle, stretch skin.
Most of all..........HAVE FUN :tu

Ditto on the chin. Take it slow and easy, and light touch, light touch.

I find the neck is the best indicator of the sharpness of your blade. You could get a great shave on the rest of your face, but if the blade is getting dull, you'll burn your neck.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My second shave was much better than the first, I really tried to stretch that skin and I think that helped alot. I still have problems with positioning my hands though. I also tried an XTG pass on the chin and it really did wonders for me. Not only was the shave closer, but I really felt more in control of the blade. My throat is still a big problem, the problem is in my technique not in the razor as it was professionaly honed. But if they couldn't build Rome in a day, I'm guessing I won't become the Miyagi-san of straight shaving after 2 shaves either ... :hmmm: