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  1. #1
    pogonotomist BurnBeGone's Avatar
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    Default First try - jury's out

    I have worn a beard for many years, shaving only my cheekbones and neck. Once every year or two I shave it off to see what's under there, and each time after several days of turning my face into a red, burning, bloody pulp I say, "Oh yeah, THAT's why I stopped shaving!" and let it grow back. After reading that straight razor shaving can be both more smooth and more comfortable than cartridge shaving I've been excited about giving it a try. I got all tricked out ready to go as I've posted on another thread here.

    I don't know if it's because my beard is particularly coarse or if the whiskers lie down very flat, but after shaving with a cartridge WTG my face feels to me like it hasn't been shaved at all, and after going XTG it's not much better. I can't stand the feeling of rough stubble esp. immediately after the shave, so I always shave ATG -- perhaps part of the reason for the perennial discomfort.

    This morning I had my first try with a straight. I've been waiting for a couple weeks since I received my new Dovo by way of Lynn's workshop because now I have a little more time in the morning. I decided to leave my goatee for today and just do my cheeks, jaw, and neck. After an awkward start when I couldn't figure out how to see my right side burn while I was trying to shave it, the first WTG pass went well -- surprisingly smooth-feeling and irritation-free. However, as with a cartridge, there was still an annoying stubble (though maybe less than with the cartridge, although the first shave of a full beard always gets a little closer). I lathered again and tried XTG. Still a pleasant experience, but not quite satisfied with the closeness. So I forged ahead, lathered once more, and tried to shave ATG. What a train wreck! I got a cut on my cheek and several nasty nicks on my neck. Now there are still parts of my face that are not quite smooth, and the right side of my neck is red, burning, and sore (though that part's smooth!).

    I know things will get better with practice, but I am beginning to wonder if it is not possible on my face to get a shave that is both smooth and irritation- and blood-free. I'll keep at it for awhile, but if it seems like I can't get both then I'm afraid the advantage I was hoping to get from the straight just isn't there.

  2. #2
    Never a dull moment hoglahoo's Avatar
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    Sometimes I have to remind myself that straight razors were used for several hundred years. It helps my "I must be a special case, this certain problem seems so difficult for me whereas others say they have no trouble" perspective

    There are a lot of variables that can cause a shave to go foul. The best advice I have received and used so far for straight shaving is keep practicing You did well to go two passes comfortably. The closeness + the comfort is a quest I am also seeking. I compromise less and less to achieve that as I keep practicing
    Last edited by hoglahoo; 06-10-2008 at 05:16 PM.
    Find me on SRP's official chat in ##srp on Freenode. Link is at top of SRP's homepage

  3. #3
    Senior Member blabbermouth jnich67's Avatar
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    Congrats! Your start sounds about normal. I didn't even try ATG until I got comfortable wielding the razor - and getting the vision thing down. Give yourself a couple/few months of consistent practice before you make up your mind. It can easily take that long. Not to mention learning to strop and touch up your edge while you're at it.

    Jordan

  4. #4
    JMS
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    Usagi Yojimbo JMS's Avatar
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    Time and patience is the key! Pay close attention and keep working at it, and it will all come together! Don't shave against the grain until you are proficient at using a straight with the grain!

  5. #5
    JAS eTea, LLC netsurfr's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JMS View Post
    Time and patience is the key! Pay close attention and keep working at it, and it will all come together! Don't shave against the grain until you are proficient at using a straight with the grain!
    + 1 on not shaving against the grain for a while. Shave across the grain from two different directions but not against the grain. Also, when you do venture to shave against the grain, make sure that the skin is well stretched and that the blade is even flatter against the face than when you shave WTG and XTG. I come close to laying the spine on the face when shaving ATG.

    Keep at it and don't be discouraged. I took months to get my first reasonable shave and I still needed to do some cleanup with a DE.

    Good luck!

  6. #6
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    Another +1 for waiting on the ATG pass. Work on technique first. ATG is the hardest pass to master. I'd recommend starting slow, going WTG, then XTG and trying a XTG/ATG angle. As you get proficient you can increase the angle going more ATG. Make sure to strop again prior to your ATG pass. That will get you your keenest edge for the final pass. The good news is your doing great for your first time. I won't bother to tell you how bad my first WTG pass went, just know it was bad. Remember -light pressure.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Big Red's Avatar
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    personally In ever shave against the grain with a regular razor. my skin is just too sensitive and I have learned to be happy with what I get from wtg and sometimes cross grain. I know that some guys that have very sensitive skin end up going to a special dilapadory cream for faces and use the back of a butter knife to scrape it off, supposedly works very well. one guy I know that had to do it that way finally got tired of it and has done the lazer removal, I think crazy but he says he'd never want facial hair.

    Red

  8. #8
    pogonotomist BurnBeGone's Avatar
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    Thanks for all the encouragement, gang! My still-stinging-and-red jowls and neck have left me a little disappointed, but I haven't given up yet.

    I may heed the suggestions about holdiing off on ATG if for no other reason than to let my skin heal, but as I mentioned, WTG/XTG with a cartridge just doesn't do it for me and it didn't seem like the straight was that much better this morning. I will eventually either need to do ATG without putting my face through the meat grinder or else get a better result WTG/XTG or straight shaving won't be worth it for me.

  9. #9
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    You WILL get better. I'd bet that in time you'll get to the point where just WTG/XTG gets you smoother than a cartridge ever could.

  10. #10
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    Congratulations, you have taken the first step in str8 shaving.

    Remember, brick layers don't build a house on the first day thye lay a brick.

    Eventually you will develop the skills necessary to give you that perfect shave, but first you must serve your apprenticeship.

    Good luck and enjoy the ride.

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to Black Beard For This Useful Post:

    jnich67 (06-10-2008)

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