Thread: first full straight shave

OK I finally did it after shaving just the sides I went all the way for the first time. I must say that there was far less bleeding than I thought there was going to be. Most were small nicks more than anything. The stiptic pencil got put away without being used. I love it. My wife loves it. Now she is asking if she can have a straight for her. Not sure if I should be happy for the excuse to look at razors again of if I should hide mine from her. Or maybe both, Any way I wanted to thank every one on this site if not for your help I would not have made it this far. Also with out the generosity of a couple on this site for sending me a strop and a real shave ready razor I also would not be here.

Congrats on the first full shave! Did you do multiple passes?
I am finding that it just gets better and better!

Congrats! the first couple dozen are the hardest!

as fr the wife... get her to sign up and let her read through the ladies forum in particular and then get her a razor of her own, and a back-up one for yourself!


maybe 2 extra ones for yourself... might as well abuse the privilege before she lays down the law on the size of the collection

Congratulations! It's nice to shave the whole face with a straight isn't it? I remember when I went from doing the chin area with the DE to shaving my entire face with the straight. The chin still proves to be the most difficult area, but I'm getting better every time! Been at it for a few months now, and I must say I've come a long way.

Dave

Way to go man! Getting there myself and doing some across the grain passes. its a cool thing. Why shave with a straight razor? On a post else where on this site BrianB writes,
"Straight shaving has a rather steep learning curve (too steep for most folks to brave). It's not exactly like the other shaving methods, where you can generally figure out what to do and how to go about doing it. Straight shaving takes time and practice and dedication and thought. That's what sets it apart and makes it so much more worthwhile in the end."
I like that. Kind of sums it up for me.
Happy Shaving
Dannyr

I thank you all for the help. I only did one pass for now still not feeling steady enough to go across the grain or against the grain yet. I will slowly work up to it.
Great idea on the getting one for the wife and six or seven backyups. I could even find some back ups for her that way I get to up the number in the collection and its not all for me. I love the little quote on the bottom of your post Dannyr

Congrats man!! That is on great feeling of accomplishment. It took me awheil to finally get through my whole face. Much better shave than my twin Merkur safety.

As to the wife.. I can see there might be a multi-RAD case brewing here. "Look what I just picked up honey..." A little competition coming. Best of luck with that. You will need 2 full bathrooms to keep just your razor stuff separated! Just don't dull hers. You can't afford the price man!!

dward, I can see the competition going far beyond just the razors there are strops brushes all sorts of stuff. The only down side to this I can see is that she is going to want me to learn the art of honing so I can keep our razors sharp. Not that it bothers me to learn I need to anyway but just had not planned on spending all my free time on the hone.
I really did like the shave so much better I only did one pass but I will get there soon. Working on coverting my brother and father in law now.

Originally Posted by warrensreptiles

dward, I can see the competition going far beyond just the razors there are strops brushes all sorts of stuff. The only down side to this I can see is that she is going to want me to learn the art of honing so I can keep our razors sharp. Not that it bothers me to learn I need to anyway but just had not planned on spending all my free time on the hone.
I really did like the shave so much better I only did one pass but I will get there soon. Working on coverting my brother and father in law now.

Yes, convert everyone that you can! So far everyone I've told how I shave has just looked at me with a confused face as if to say "why??". So I've been unsuccessful converting anyone.....

Dave

Congrats on reaching that milestone. Regarding the nicks, I rarely get a nick. I think the reason being that years ago an old barber told me that if you are shaving with a straight hold it securely but with a light touch. NEVER force the razor if it is pulling. If you're holding it lightly enough the razor will give in your hand rather then nicking if it does get stopped. I also pay particular attention to stretching the skin.