Goal #1, don't slice throat, achieved!
Today was my first str8 shave, and I had a pretty modest goal---to not butcher my face. Thankfully, I achieved that goal. In fact, I didn't even get one nick---a fact that shocks me, since I typically nick myself at least once with my Gillette sensor. My styptic pencil got to go back in the drawer unused. I did one WTG pass all over pretty slowly, doubling back quite a bit to clean up. Then I did one XTG pass.
The other thing that surprised me, though, was that the shave was not as close as I thought it would be. After the two passes, my face feels about as smooth as after I have shaved with my old Norelco electric (maybe a bit smoother), which, of course, is not saying much. There are a few spots that feel smoother than others. In any case, I know that it isn't realistic to get a great shave my first time out, so I'm fine with it.
Another thing that I noticed was that the lather dried out on my face rather quickly. The two passes did take quite a bit of time (45 minutes?) because I was being so cautious, so I had to keep lathering up over and over again to keep things wet and moving. Maybe I didn't have enough water mixed in with the lather?
Any way, I know as my technique progresses, the closeness of my shave will improve. I think I'm pretty well hooked.
FYI, I got the startup kit from Kenrup and am very happy with it. got the Double Arrow razor---honed and shave-ready---the Tweezerman silvertip badger brush, a cake of glycerin soap, and the filly strop all for $95. If you are a newbie like me, this deal is a great way to investigate the world of str8 shaving with quality products but a modest investment.
I also found a cool milk glass shaving mug with bevelled sides at a local antique store, so I'm set for a bit. My next acquisition will likely be a Norton 4000/8000 waterstone.
Payne
