Thread: Finally...First Shave

Just wanted to say thanks to Lynn and everyone else for getting me started on this new hobby!

Finally had everything in place today and decided to give it a go on my first shave. Dovo 5/8 pearlex hand honed by Lynn. Some great shave soap from Mama Bear Shaving Soaps and a Shavemack 177 silvertip.

Stropped my blade and lathered up.

Found that one of the hardest things was actually seeing my razor on my face in the mirror. Once I turned a bit at an angle it helped.

Shave was very good but found my soap drying up on my face a bit. Once I lathered up again my razor had a much better feel.

had to bail out and use my DE around my chin and jaw line but figure as time goes on and I feel more comfortable it should be easier.

Must say its hard keeping my hands off my face! I have been in search of the perfect shave and no doubt have found it! Smooth as smooth can be.

Thanks again for everyone's advice and assistance

That's cool. I've shaved with mine twice already. The first time I chickened out too and shaved the harder spots with my electric razor. The second time I did it 100% and only cut myself once. It get's easier for sure.

Sounds good.

I can definitely relate to what you're saying about seeing the blade in the mirror. I actually haven't found a way to get a view, so I'm more or less shaving my sideburns blindly.

So we can share our debut shave anniversary. Let's see how we are progressing on July 3, 2009

I also started straight shaving today with a Revisor 6\8 honed by Bart. Lynn's DVD was watched (with my daughter -15- who is really worried about this new hobby of mine). She watched Lynn shaving on the DVD and felt a bit more comforted! She still thinks it's a ridiculous hobby...

Anyway, I did as good a prep as I could, and shaved this morning WTG and XTG. Right hand only. I think I have got a reasonable result for the first time. Cheeks are good, neck a bit rough. But I always need to go ATG to get good results on the neck anyway with the DE. I've been using a Merkur Slant.

I was very careful with the first few strokes of course. I didn't draw any blood. Razor burn, well I've had worse. All in all a good start, better than I expected. Not discouraged at all.

I think I will need to learn to use my left hand, and just get the feel of the whole thing. I've got another razor coming, a 5\8 Friodur.

Using my left hand to shave was a bit of a challenge, but I figured I would start right away and try to get in the habit.

Had a bit of razor burn along the base of my cheeks by my jaw line but I figure this was likely with a new shaving method until my face adjusts.

Just curious how you like your 6/8 razor? I think my next purchase will be a 6/8.

One down and many more to go...

I guess I cant make any objective comments about the 6\8 blade until I've got some shaving technique and experience. Somehow I'd expect it to slice the whiskers like my slant, which it didn't do on the first try. But let's keep at it and see what works in the long term.

Originally Posted by Denverrazr

had to bail out and use my DE around my chin and jaw line but figure as time goes on and I feel more comfortable it should be easier.

First welcome to the ranks of straight shavers and SRP!
Second, don't worry about bailing out in areas or finishing up the tough spots. You will get better with time.
It was weeks before I felt comfortable enough to do my chin.

Congratulations!!! I shaved my legs with a straight for the first time on Tuesday, had the same thing going, couldn't stop having a sneaky feel, hehehe

I woosed out on doing my knees, but after some tips will be having a go at those next time. I only have one straight so far a 4/8, but I love it.

Keep up the good work and enjoy!!!



Lynn

For the problem you have with visibility while trying to shave the sides of your face, I've found it useful to pick a spot to look at in the mirror and just focus your sight there while you do the side. I think it'll help you hold your razor stable while you shave that part.