Thread: Introduction and my First Shave

I'd say you had a pretty good start. You started with the easier parts and took it slow. Technique comes with practice, that's why it is recommended that you start with just the cheeks and sideburns, that way by the time you move on to the tougher parts you have a pretty good technique.

I know when I first started everything felt wierd, holding the razor felt off, the angles I was using seemed wrong, for me I think it was just the fact that I wasn't yet comfortable with holding this extremely sharp tool to my face. But with time I felt more comfortable with it and as a result my technique improved. Even now, after some months, I can get a BBS shave on the cheeks but my neck technique still needs some work.

As far as advice goes. A strop will make all the difference, as will proper beard prep. Also, if your skin isn't used to such a sharp blade you may want to let it rest a couple days. I see a lot where people keep trying every day and wonder why their shave gets worse each time.

Some people prefer one long stroke, others prefer small short strokes. I personally prefer the latter as it allows you to readjust where you're pulling your skin to make it tighter. Just take your time, the first time I tried straight shaviing, I had unshaved hairs all over the place and I looked absurd. Just give your muscles time to figure out the right pressure and angle to hold the razor. You'll know when you're doing it right because the hairs will just come off effortlessly.

[quote=KingHarvest;275951 You'll know when you're doing it right because the hairs will just come off effortlessly.[/quote]

Ah ha, yes this I know because when I go to the barber and they shave my sideburns, it always amazes me how little effort is required to move the razor.

I'm going to try the short little strokes.

I REALLY appreciate the reply. Thanks!

J

I've only been doing this about a month, but can tell you this. You absolutely need to strop the razor before every use. Hopefully you have had the razor hand honed, either from where you purchased it or from a professional. This is very important since no razor is actually shave ready from the factory unless it has been pre honed. This gets it razor sharp but still not sharp enough. to be absolutely shave ready you need to strop the razor before each use. This realigns the micro serrations on the blade, which are essential in getting a good shave. I suggest buying Lynn Abrams shaving DVD. though when you first start watching you may think.. This is a guy at his house with his buddy taping this, I say so what. He knows a hell of a lot about shaving, and if you want to experience a good one listen to what he has to say. I also own a Dovo razor the cheapest one you can buy, and I get a great, close, irritation free shave every time.. I actually shave more ofter now than I did before, because I enjoy it that much. even though I actually need to shave less. if that makes any sense.. Hope this helps a little, but definetly wait till you get the strop before you try again. Good luck.