Thread: And another noob ^_^

Hi all,

Well, I got my order in today and it was a bit freaky on the 1st babysteps on the sideburns. My left hand needs LOTS of practice I can tell. Any advice on how to hold the blade relative to the face? Please no degree stuff cause that didn't help much!
Oh, what mineral oils are recommended for a Solingen simple straight razor?

THANKS for all the help!

Place the razor flat on the skin of your sideburn area. Now, lift the spine about two times its own width. Without applying more pressure than necessary to keep in contact with your face, move the razor down, all the way to the cheeck bone. Your other hand needs to fold over your head and stretches up the skin.

Mineral oil: I presume you're talking about rust protection. I use a small bottle of oil for sewing machines. Just remember to wipe it off, before stropping and shaving.

Bart.

First, welcome to SRP! The thing about using your straight is that you will have to develop a new skill set, as you have already discovered. Excellent choice on starting with just that area. Take your time. When you are feeling comfortable you can begin adding other areas, and XG and ATG. ou will learn the angles and techniques. Don't rush them...

Place the razor flat on your face. Raise the spine gradually as you shave until you find the most efficient cutting stroke.

I still do this every shave

Don't skimp on the prep! It's half the fun.

As far as oiling your blade, people use everything from Camellia oil and olive oil, to WD-40 and Sewing machine oil. A few folks do alcohol dips before oiling too. I find that a thorough drying and a light coat of Camellia oil keeps my blades in good shape in my environment.

As was stated above, wipe the blade off thoroughly before stropping to avoid transferring unwanted oils to your strop.

Have Fun!

-Rob

I agree with the previous posters. I would caution you be to be very careful about holding the edge against your skin (if you aren't moving the blade in a cutting motion) while you try to find a good angle. Even without any forward motion you can get cut. Don't ask how I know that......let's just call it a lesson learned courtesy of my first shave with my Feather.

Try slightly altering the blade angle as you shave (starting out very shallow...two spine widths should work) and feel the difference the angle makes. You will quickly learn what you like for various parts of your face.

Also, I usually don't oil my razors unless they are headed for extended storage. I keep them in a dry location and they seem to do fine.

Thanks all. I will try that then. I need to learn to use my left hand cause I am pretty unskilled with left. I also had to order a new shaving soap because the one I have is great but not Santa enough for me. Any thoughts of my blade I got?
Oh, is there honing stones available on Amazon? I was looking but only find industrial ones and I am not sure what to use there.
Also, I kinda got the the linen is for the pre-stroping and the leather one is to make the final touch?

Welcome to SRP ! Look at the tool bar at the top of the page and click on the SRP Wiki. Go to tutorials and you'll find hours of interesting reading from the basics to advanced. Smooth shaving.

One thing that helped me when I was new to shaving was someone mentioned to touch your blade to your face like you are doing touch and goes on an aircraft carrier. Use a light touch and keep the razor moving. After a few shaves your left hand will get the idea of what it's doing. The blade angle is another thing that will come with practice. I hope your blade is sharp. It is easier to cut yourself with a dull blade than a sharp one. Keep going.

bj