Thread: first 7 days

So I found this site while researching Straight Razor shaving. What a great find!
I was shopping for my favorite aftershave lotion " Dominican Bay Rum " and saw straight razors for sale. Thought to myself " this may be a really cool way to shave". And I was off and running. Really obbsessed. I've always wet shaved and have been using a brush and shave soap for several years but had no idea about brush quality. I think it may be boar bristle, the maker is Bass.
I received my Dovo Classic Black Straight Razor a week ago from VintagebladesLLC with the pre honed shave ready option. Nice! Feels great. And I have the strop. And Lynne's DVD on the straight razor. And have read extensively.
Iv'e only sufferd a couple of nicks shaving sideburn areas and trying under the neck. The biggest obstacle is how to grip the handle and the position of my hand on my face so I don't block my view in the mirror. I have been shaving with a Fusion razor and compare to that as far as achieving that BBS shave.
I really llike the idea of getting up alttle earlier and doing the shaving ritual of hot creamy soap on a brush, focusing on the blade, sipping the hot black coffee, the feel of after shave balm and the smell of that great aftershave lotion. Lifes not so mundane when you start the day with a 4 inch blade up against your face.
dannyr

Welcome aboard!
Yeah, your story seems so familiar here Glad you joined the club.
As you build muscle memory you'll find that holding the razor becomes almost a second nature and soon it won't be very hard.

Good for you. Welcome. Keep at and you'll figure things out. Be patient.

Jordan

Originally Posted by dannyr

I've always wet shaved and have been using a brush and shave soap for several years but had no idea about brush quality.

Opinions vary wildly, but luxury aspects aside, a badger hair brush will hold water better, and deliver greater amounts of lather to your face. A pre-heated bowl (or scuttle) will also increase the quality of your lather. If you want to take the lather business over the top, there is always this: Illustrated Guide to making Überlather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by dannyr

The biggest obstacle is how to grip the handle and the position of my hand on my face so I don't block my view in the mirror.

You might find that a shaving mirror will help. I recently had the distinct pleasure of using a lighted, fogless, extensible mirror (and boy was that thing ugly!), and it actually made quite a bit of a difference.

Or there abouts. beginning to get a little more comfortable with shaving angles and grip. Did my whole face today without any touch up with the Fusion. Don't have to be anywhere today. Not bad, alttle rouch yet under the jaw lines and neck. This is a new razor pre honed and shave ready that I have shaved with 8 times now stroping before shaves. I don't think it is sharp enough, does not pass the hair pop test and the razor scrapes and pulls at times. Maybe I need to work angle or maybe I'm to light handed and not appling enough pressure.
Gald to be here at SRP.
Dannyr

Originally Posted by dannyr

Or there abouts. beginning to get a little more comfortable with shaving angles and grip. Did my whole face today without any touch up with the Fusion. Don't have to be anywhere today. Not bad, alttle rouch yet under the jaw lines and neck. This is a new razor pre honed and shave ready that I have shaved with 8 times now stroping before shaves. I don't think it is sharp enough, does not pass the hair pop test and the razor scrapes and pulls at times. Maybe I need to work angle or maybe I'm to light handed and not appling enough pressure.
Gald to be here at SRP.
Dannyr

Hi! A light touch is a good thing! You are lucky to have a light touch... generally it's something you learn the hard way. Don't apply pressure; let the weight of the razor do the job and you'll soon notice progress.
Don't forget to strop carefully using only the weight of the blade and keeping the spine in contact with a taught strop. That is also important... Remember some of the basics and enjoy the shave. You'll be having absolutely smooth effortless shaves in no time. And welcome aboard!

So glad to have you in the forum!
Sounds like you are making great progress during your early days.
Let the various addictions begin!!!

Don't forget to strop carefully using only the weight of the blade and keeping the spine in contact with a taught strop. That is also important... Remember some of the basics and enjoy the shave. You'll be having absolutely smooth effortless shaves in no time. And welcome aboard![/quote]

Hi. Thanks for the stroping tip, that may be key here to a smoother shave. Must admit its a bit nerve wracking putting that blade to my face.
Danny

Originally Posted by netsurfr

So glad to have you in the forum!
Sounds like you are making great progress during your early days.
Let the various addictions begin!!!

various addictions is right! My shaving shopping list is getting crazy. I just ordered some Pinaud classic after shave, bay rum, and lucky tiger bay rum aftershave from ebarbershop.com. Just to have a selection. I then found a site called Appleton Barbershop supplies that has the same items for 2-3 dollars less and better shipping rates. FYI.
Happy shaving!
danny