Thread: First Shave...Illustrated

I bought a Bismarck from Lynn Abrams website, straight razor designs, and used Wal-Mart soap and brush. When I started, I slapped the blade down on my face like a regular razor, and was gifted with a nice little slash. This was good, because I started out from the jump with a healthy respect for the razor. The shave went as well as can be expected for the first time, 3 nicks, all around the chin, except for the original hey goober laceration. Styptic pencils really do work! And Old Spice feels completely different after a straight shave than after a regular shave. I didn't know what to expect getting a razor from Lynn, it seemed really sharp, but didn't slice hairs in mid air, I probably just don't know what I'm doing.

Excellent post!

Welcome aboard SRP!

Beautiful 1st razor too!

If you like that Old Spice feel, you should also try a block of alum to tighten up the face after a shave, that usually is the moment I can say the day officially starts! A nice sting.

Nice! Keep at it, you'll get better.

Jordan

I think that's an impressively close shave for starting out. And you look pretty irritation free. Thanks for posting your pictures. I agree, that's a nice razor to start with.

I must say that's a unique twist in the way you hold your razor. Not a criticism, just an observation. Obviously it worked for you!

Chris L

I wish I had got away that lightly after my first shave, still I will keep the styptic pencil industry going.........
Good post.........!!!!

Mark......

Thanks for the comments and compliments.

You really did very well indeed! I love my Bismark also. I might add that it appears to me that you really leaned into the blade because your skin is shiny which means you got very close. Just remember that next time you shave you must not open up the existing cuts or you will have more of a problem than you would have if you let them heal. I find that they are ready to shave over in about 3 days if they heal but if I lay one open it will be another week. You should lightly shave over them with the blade at a 90 degree angle once then work around them after about 2 days but everyone heals differently.

Welcome aboard!

Have a good one,
Richard

FYI, not all sharp razors pass the hanging hair test because not all hairs are the same. You're off to a great start!

Beautiful razor. I wish I had taken pictures of my first straight shave. It was a bloody mess. By comparison you did much much better. Keep at it.


Patrick

Great job! That is that same razor that I used for my first shave as well! And I am still using it now.