1st shave went well

[jaso]

There was no blood drawn but it wasn't easy! There's a whole lot of things to learn. I only shaved my cheeks (as suggested here). I'm right handed, and only shaved with that hand. The right side was relatively easy but the left was much more difficult. I think I was using too shallow of an angle? I'm very happy with it overall. I also need to improve my stropping technique. I'm not sure if I am pulling the strop tight enough, using too much pressure on the blade or something else but making it pass the hht isn't easy. My beard's not that tough so it seems plenty sharp to do the trick. I also realized the mug my Father gave me is a little small for my brush, so now I'm on the lookout for a bigger mug or scuttle....

I'm looking forward to my second shave is tonight. I only need to shave every three days os so. I can't wait to be able to make my face bbs, it'll make the girlfriend happy too!

[jszabo]

welcome to srp and congrats on your first shave i have only been at it fir a week or so and todays shave was no comparison to my very first shave i shave using both hands i have not tried it with one i think x man has a one handed video on here you might want to check out as for the stropping i get the best results when the edge of my blade and the spine touch at the same time once i started doing that way i quit nicking my strop and the shaves got a lot smoother there are a ton of members here that have a lot more knowledge then me im sure they can help you out in more detail than i can

[mlangstr]

welcome Jaso and congrats on your first straight shave.. I've been at it for almost a month. At first I didn't trust my left hand with a razor but I found out that it is a lot easier with both hands... and also left hands muscles are very capable at shaving..

I used to shave every three days but now I like it so much I shave almost every day..

Have Fun,

Maarten

[jaso]

Now I've had the second shave and it was a good experience. I had a little less difficulty with the left side this time but I think I might try using my left hand soon. I ventured a little farther into the chin area and neck but was still hesitant around some of the more curvy areas. I did manage to whip up a better lather than last time. I'm using Truefitt & Hill cream and this time I added one drop of glycerin.

All of my life (I'm 35) I've only done one pass with a razor, and have never been able to go atg without breaking out in that area. Especially the moustache. I did two passes on the cheeks with the straight one wtg and the other xtg, they're super smooth. I'll have to see if there's any irritation tomorrow.

I also haven't used a proper aftershave yet. I usually use regular lotion but I'd like to find a good aftershave if it is better than lotion. Do you guys recommend one with alcohol or without? Most I've seen have alcohol but I've heard that alcohol dries the face too much.

This is some fun stuff.

[dannyr]

No blood! Come on your not trying! But seriously. I've been at this a month now and loving it. I shave with both hands and I am becoming more confident with my non- dominate hand. I wasn't sure at first but it can be done. With minimal blood letting!
dannyr

[Tonsor]

I also haven't used a proper aftershave yet. I usually use regular lotion but I'd like to find a good aftershave if it is better than lotion. Do you guys recommend one with alcohol or without? Most I've seen have alcohol but I've heard that alcohol dries the face too much.
.

That depends upon the face. I have oily skin and prefer an alcohol-based after shave. It dries and cools my face and gives that finished feeling. After my shave, I apply another hot towel, then clean off the remaining lather, splash cold water on my face, towel dry, and splash on my after shave. It works great for me.

In general, non-alcohol after shaves leave my face feeling greasy. On occassion, if I erred and left a lot of razor burn, I use Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Luxury Gel. It's very nice but I couldn't use it every day.

Try both. If you have dry skin, you'll most likely prefer non-alcohol balms. If your skin is oily, like mine, your choice will likely be alcohol-based after shaves.

Congrats on the straight shaves.

Dave