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  1. #1
    Full Time Gentleman
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    Moncton,NB,Canada
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    Default First Shave - I'm Learning

    To see what I've done to get up to the point of my first shave, see my other thread.

    So, I finally did it! the first shave is done, with mixed results. I just did my cheeks, but I got a much closer shave than with my DE. However, it felt like the razor was grabbing each hair and almost pulling them out one-by-one. This is, I'm sure, my technique and my prep. It really is amazing how one straight shave can point out all you do wrong.

    Here's my routine - shower, shave oil, build lather, apply lather, strop, re-lather, shave... As it turns out, my lather is not up to snuff. After clenching my jaw through the first few passes, I decided to to try and smear some of the soap residue directly onto my face - WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Lesson - make better lather.

    I just wanted to let other newbs know that just because the first (or first few) shaves are horrible, doesn't mean straights are for you and it doesn't mean you r razor sucks. Have the self-awareness to understand the mechanics of a shave and try to fix what's causing the problem. Yeah, I know - all this from guy with one shave down... But the lessons are the same.

    All in all - I had a downright painful first shave, but I can't wait to try again!!!

  2. #2
    Junior Member
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    May 2008
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    Macclesfield, England
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    Default

    I found that stretching the skin (more that I thought I needed to) helped. It did take a couple of weeks for my face to get used to being shaved by a straight as well, almost like it needed to "toughen up".

  3. #3
    Junior Member modul8r's Avatar
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    Jul 2008
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    Austin, TX
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    Default

    Newbie here with about 4 shaves under my belt. As I pointed out in my recent topic, I personally would recommend for you to use the shaving cream/gel/whatever that you're used to using at first. I think that this would make your first shaves smoother and you could focus on your shaving technique without having to worry about making a good lather. That's what's working for me, at least. I like to take things one step at a time.

  4. #4
    Full Time Gentleman
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    Default

    Thanks for the comments so far - keep them coming...

    Modul8r - I've been using soap/making lather for the last couple of years while using my DE, ss other than realising it's vastly inferior to what it should be, I haven't changed any part of my routine except using a straight... Just so you know where I stand...

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Aug 2008
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    Salt Lake City
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    Default

    Don't discount the joy and smoothness of building the lather on your face.

  6. #6
    Junior Member
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    Sep 2008
    Location
    Irlanda
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    Question

    Hi. snosajs

    Im a newb aswell, just waiting on my 1st SR from ebay to arrive soon. In the meantime ive been lurking here full time reading any piece of info i can!

    Im just wondering what sort of technique are you using starting off, in particular are you switching hands to shave as shown on Lynns youtube video? Ive read before that its better to start off just using your strong hand and when you get comfortable to switch, would you agree?

  7. #7
    Full Time Gentleman
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    Default

    I used my dominant hand (right) only for the first time. However, it was really difficult to see my left side with my hand across and in the way. I think I'll go right-hand only until I can at least get my right cheek without too much pulling, at least then I know my prep/lather is alright. Then perhaps I'll try using both hands - we'll see how it goes...

  8. #8
    Senior Member Lt.Arclight's Avatar
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    New Jerseystan
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    Default

    Walk before you run. If it was easy-it wouldn't be so much fun once you got your technique down pat. Take you time,practice and don't be discouraged by the occasional bad shave.

    You WILL be rewarded. Not to mention,NEVER having to buy razor blades at the supermarket.

  9. #9
    Junior Member
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Lt.Arclight View Post
    Not to mention,NEVER having to buy razor blades at the supermarket.
    And no more razor burn

  10. #10
    Senior Member AusTexShaver's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Talking

    Quote Originally Posted by Bones View Post
    And no more razor burn

    Yep...you trade in razor burn and ingrown hairs for nicks and cuts.

    Can anyone tell me the proper method for sewing back on a severed lower lip?

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