Thread: First Shave

Thanks to Rob, I got to shave with a straight razor for the first time today.

I was very nervous about cutting myself, but when I did I realized it wasn't that bad. I can't really even feel much when it happens. I went over my face with two passes, and I did an okay job. I probably would have gotten the same quality shave with a crappy disposable, but I know this is my fault.

I have sensitive skin, unfortunately, but this wasn't bad at all. I was worried that it would burn after because of my lack of experience. I could feel more on the second pass, but it wasn't as bad as a disposable.

After touching my face more after, I felt that I could have done much better, and that I was impatient.
I went over my face again, and this time I got much better results. My Gillette Fusion couldn't possibly come close to this! I was very, very happy with the results, and I can't wait until I am able to do this with no nicks and an even closer shave.

I do have one problem though, and I had this same problem with all the razors I have ever used. On my neck, right beside my Adam's apple, the hair grows sideways. Straight down won't get it, and up won't either. Why not sideways? I can't seem to get that part of my neck straight enough to use the straight razor sideways. I cut myself if I try. The only way I could get this with other razors was to do a few semi-circles there, and I can't seem to find a way to do it with the straight razor. Any advice?

Thanks for reading,
David

David, congrats on your first shave!! Great accomplishment. I have followed Lynn's advice from his CD (an excellent investment, too) to start with just the sideburns and maybe the cheeks first, and only WTG. Once you are comfortable with manipulating the blade add XG and jawline. Then progress as you gain more confidence. I cut myself this morning for the first time in 4 shaves. It was part of the learning experiece for me. Like you I didn't even realize I cut myself (not nick) until I was shaving my other cheek and noticed the mark and blood on the cheek I had finished. Enjoy the experience. Please post your progress so all we newbies can learn from you...

Congratulations, you are on the way! Don't worry, as your blade skill and confidence grows, you will find ways to attack your beards trouble spots. It is better to touch up with a safety razor until your skills get better. Good Luck.

I shouldn't think sideways would cause a problem, as long as you take the same care you would going any other direction. Bear in mind I'm on my 6th shave with a straight, so I'm no authority by any stretch...

Glad it worked out for you man! If you need a little help on angles and technique, I am more than happy to give you a demo or something. Just give me a shout when you are close by again and we'll set it up. I deal with the side of the adam's apple by pointing the toe of the razor toward my ear a bit so that it fits under my chin. Then you take the stroke in the direction of hair growth and you end up kind of Guillotining the hair which is a little easier anyway. Like I said before, it's much easier for me to show you. Good luck David! Keep us posted on your progress.

-Rob

Congratulations on a great start!!!

Thanks netsurfr!

I'm getting much better.
I was able to get most of the hair on the sides of my Adam's apple, and I only cut myself twice.
Both of the cuts were on the right side of my Adam's Apple.

I had the same problem when shaving but what I realized was I wasn't stretching my skin enough - only vertically. Once I really used my thumb and index finger to stretch the skin horizontally it became much easier to shave there.