Thread: First Try

Tried a straight for the first time this morning. Have been shaving with a DE for about a year so have the prep down pretty well. Bought a shave ready razor from an SRP member and gave it a go. Was much smoother than I expected, no nicks or cuts. But had a horrible time figuring out how to do chin and left side of my face ( I am left handed). Did a couple of passes WTG and XTG on the areas I could reach. Didn't get very close but for the first try I thought it went fairly well. Very difficult to judge proper angle, and felt helpless with the razor in my right hand. Finished off with a DE and got BBS shave. I was encouraged by first go. Dried the razor and put it in cupboard. Came back later to try a strop and found black spots all over the razor. Apparently I didn't get it as dry as I should have. How can I remove these and avoid them in the future?

Originally Posted by pdx

Tried a straight for the first time this morning. Have been shaving with a DE for about a year so have the prep down pretty well. Bought a shave ready razor from an SRP member and gave it a go. Was much smoother than I expected, no nicks or cuts. But had a horrible time figuring out how to do chin and left side of my face ( I am left handed). Did a couple of passes WTG and XTG on the areas I could reach. Didn't get very close but for the first try I thought it went fairly well. Very difficult to judge proper angle, and felt helpless with the razor in my right hand. Finished off with a DE and got BBS shave. I was encouraged by first go. Dried the razor and put it in cupboard. Came back later to try a strop and found black spots all over the razor. Apparently I didn't get it as dry as I should have. How can I remove these and avoid them in the future?

Sounds like you had a pretty good first experience, congrats! I know how you feel with the razor in your 'other' hand, it took me awhile to get using my left hand down but it's very natural now so just give it time. As to the black spots, try Maas metal polish (drug store) or a pencil eraser. Be sure and dry it well; I've heard some people say they carefully wipe down with alcohol after to make sure all water is gone. Store it (in a safe place) slightly open so the blade will be sure to dry. If the prob continues you can wipe it with some light oil after shaving - I've never had to but some folks do.