First Shave Went Well

Hi All,

Well, I shaved with a straight razor for the first time today. It was cool to inject myself into the tradition of a simpler time... well simpler in one respect, more involved in others.

I have a nice DOVO stainless, badger hair brush, Norton 4000/8000 combo, hanging strop, and don't forget the Styptic. I had the razor pre honed... I think they did a nice job... seems pretty sharp.

First off, I soaked my brush in some hot water while I took a shower. Then I lathered up my shave bar, applied a ton of foam and got started... oh yeah I stroped the razor about 20 times first using the canvas and then the leather. I went a little too fast and cut the leather in a few spots,... I was going in the correct direction with the blade, it was when I flipping the blade to do the other side that it would nick the leather. Then I slowed down and it seemed to go alright.

I started with my left sideburn. I watched about ten videos on YouTube, read about half a dozen websites and had a pretty good idea of what to do. I struggled with my left side-burn, I'm a lefty and I just could not see around my hand and the razor, but i figured it out and took my first stroke. Very nice.

I thought it was going to be really difficult and that I would end up with a lot of massive cuts, but it wasn't bad at all. I did two passes. The first one was a little difficult because my beard was a few weeks old. The second one was a bit better. I will need a little practice to really get a superior close shave, but the one I have now is already as close I would normally get with an electric or other razor.

I went ahead and shaved the back of my neck too becuase it was getting a little bushy back there. It was easy, and I didn't have to stop and clean out my mach 3 blades by pounding them on the sink every stroke. My whiskers used to jam those things something auwful... I hated it.

I have to admit that I did get a few minor cuts, but the styptic works perfectly... it was provided for free by vintagebladesllc (that's where I bought my stuff)... my order got here in 1 day (MD to PA)! I have no razor burn and no visible cuts or scabs. For other newbies out there, just take it slow, it isn't that hard!

Well, that's one heck of a long first entry, but I have to say that I am very pleased. Thanks to everyone for the various pieces of info!

Hey,

Welcome to SRP. I'm a newb myself. Just got a razor from a member and some of Colleen's soaps from TGQ.com. I'm waiting for them in the mail, should be arriving tomorrow.

Did you use soaps, creams or a foam? If you have considered soaps, I would recommend what a thousand others have and purchase a sampler from thegentlemensquarter.com. 5 soaps and 2 creams for 20 bucks (including shipping). Where did you buy the brush from? I'm starting with a boar bristle and figured I would move up after I get a larger budget.

I am a little nervous about doing the right side of my face, as I am a righty. I read some of the online "help files" I couldn't download the first, but the second was really helpful. Congrats!

Newms

You've gotten a first good shave out of the gate and there's no reason why they shouldn't only get better and better. yours is the kind of story I love reading and one of the main reasons I come back to the forums again and again. Thanks for posting.

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