Another newbie nervious as heck!
Hello all; I'm ready to start shaving but I'm just a bit nervous.... sort of like the first time I learned to suture... except this is on me! I'm getting a professional shave in the morning to get the feel of a great shave and to take some notes! Good idea or bad? My razor's arriving Thursday! I went with a Dovo DV009 and had it pre-honed, got the strop, soap, and even raised my life insurance plan.
I've watched a ton of vids and feel ready to take on the challenge. The questions that remain are skin and hair prep and most important: blade care! I've read that the blade needs 24 hours to rest between shaves and there's really no set number of strokes with the strop.
Yes I focus on the details. I was very tempted to buy a 7 day set of razors but thought it better to get the feel and skill with just one and see if I need more at a later date. Then there's the stones; I have no clue! I'd probably get a longer lasting blade having it professionally sharpened as opposed to doing it myself, but, I'm completely in the dark on that one.
Well; I've no doubt this will prove an entertaining read for most; however, I hope one of you will offer guidance to another newbie.
From one Newbie to another...
Let me welcome you to SRP also! Probably one of the best sites on the internet! I had my very first shave this morning, and it was the best shave I ever had, I actually loved it and am looking forward to shaving the next time! You need to get a routine, as you already know, so you can develop good habits. Here's what I do (after exhaustive research here and Youtube);
I first put a 1.5 qt pyrex bowl of water in the Microwave with a shave towel in it, for about 5 minutes, while I go take a hot shower (showers in the basement). After the shower, i get the bowl out of the Microwave, grasping the edges. I take the towel, wring it out slightly and let it rest on my face for a minute, put it back in the bowl of water and put some pre shave oil on. I strop my razor 20 laps then Wring out the towel again and back on the face! Then I make my lather and put it on one section of my face, left cheek usualy first. This is the most important thing, I think, I take my time when I shave, try to pay attention to every angle of the blade, feel on the skin etc. I stretch my skin also by contorting my face. Using my hand to do it only when necessary. I picked up my razor from OLD SCHOOL in the classifieds here. He had refurbished it and honed it to perfection, in my opinion, so I don't even need a second pass. I found out today that if I go slow and effortlessly, just the proper angle of the blade, my facial hair is removed BBS. It was a real RUSH doing this and just feeling how smooth the skin was!. Best thing to do is to find out what works for you and stick with it, and PATIENCE!
Good luck and enjoy! God Bless you!:gl: