Thread: Another newbie nervious as heck!

Originally Posted by jmueller8

Well everything has arrived today with the exception of the strop oil! I'd love to give it a go tonight; however, experience has taught me to be patient when it comes to the right tools. So; do I need to order some oil for my strop and wait for it to arrive, is there an alternative to the strop oil that I could use, or could I just apply the oil when I get it next week?

If you intend to soften & condition the strop, oil or grease the flesh side not the stropping side. As for alternatives lard works just fine. A 'little' is ok on the work side but buff it off well. You don't want stuff sticking to your strop, your razor included.

Well; I successfully completed my very first shave "completely" with the straight razor! I only nicked myself twice and they were, both, very superficial.

The shave this morning was unlike anything I've ever experienced before in my life! The quality of my shave is a 7 and I'm still stinging a bit; however, the feel of the moment....... the actual time I took shaving........ was absolute tranquility! Even three of my six children, incessantly, yapping at me was not enough to remove me from my "zone."

I learned a lot with my first shave and with each stroke I grew more confident. I was able to shave everywhere while learning the grain and growth of my beard. I was even brave enough to shave upwards on my neck without much discomfort.

So; with my first shave being, in my perspective, an absolute success and the knowledge that I'll only get better in time, I really can't wait to shave again!

Thanks, everyone, for your support, wisdom, and guidance. I guess this is officially my last post in the newbies section then.....

Congratulations. It only gets better !

Originally Posted by jmueller8

Well; it's more than obvious the blades are much stronger than I thought! I was given the impression that the edge was very fine and brittle. I have also focused too much attention on the safety issues. Looks like I just have to dive right in and get the feel for it.

My whole perception of the blade, itself, has changed significantly and I finally understand why people collect them; they are just magnificent in every way!

I agree with you on focusing too much on safety. This is because a hesitant shaver is a bloody shaver. Not to undermine the great advice others have given. I personally dove in whole face shaves and I believe that is the best way to learn and get comfortable with your new razor. They are also as expensive as well as truly remarkable in both beauty and simplicity.Good luck and great shaves.

One good shave does not make you less of a newbie. My over confidence showed me that toady!

Still a decent shave but less close due to my inexperience. About a 6 of 10 and just 2 nicks; so the concepts there just not the fine motor skills as of yet. I did feel the blade was not as sharp as yesterday and it may be due to my stropping technique.

I stropped the blade about 70 times back and fourth at about 10 degrees with minimal pressure.... it's another feeling I have to get used to. It looks so easy. I don't think I did that right at all! Back to the videos then. I did get Lynn Abram's DVD so that will help.

Any tips are always appreciated!

Originally Posted by jmueller8

... I stropped the blade about 70 times back and fourth at about 10 degrees with minimal pressure....

I'm not sure if I'm reading this correctly, but are you saying that you lift the spine off the strop, to a 10 degree angle, when stropping? The blade should be flat on the strop with the spine leading, held to the strop only by its own weight. Sorry if I misunderstood.

Dave

No; you had it right! I was stropping incorrectly! I watched a few videos and worked it out. I sort of flew over that part and I felt it today! Ah; failure is so humbling!

No failure here. We're all learning. There is an awful lot to digest when starting with str8s.

My dad once told me, "No, I'm not wrong. I'm just not as right as I normally am."

Have a great shave.

Dave

I have never ever drawn blood with a striaght ever.

Damn; that strops just so odd to get the hang of! 15 minutes stropping this morning and it still feels completely foreign.

Jbcohen; I've cut myself with electric razors before. (The old Remington mircoscreens; I swear my dad would ding the screen just so I'd cut myself!) If I don't draw blood at least once during a shave with my straight I'll be the master! I think it's cool you've never drawn blood before! If you would like to know what it's like I'll hook you up. All good fun I assure you! Hopefully; I'll be up there with you all before too long!