Thread: My first shave and the three S's

Had my first straight razor shave Saturday night. All in all, I'd say it was pretty smooth. Only three nicks to speak of. Had a very difficult time with the upper lip and chin area. After a good nick under my nose, I decided to forego the chin and upper lip until I have better dexterity. I found the neck to be the easiest area.

I came up with the three S's of newbie shaving and they are: 1) sober-up- drinking three Guinnesses's before attempting the first shave might not have been wise. I attribute two of the three nicks to overindulgence. 2) stretch that skin as much as you possibly can. 3) SLOW- the third nick could have potentially been avoided had I been more patient.

Looking forward to more trials...

Originally Posted by OuchAlumStat

Had my first straight razor shave Saturday night. All in all, I'd say it was pretty smooth. Only three nicks to speak of. Had a very difficult time with the upper lip and chin area. After a good nick under my nose, I decided to forego the chin and upper lip until I have better dexterity. I found the neck to be the easiest area.

I came up with the three S's of newbie shaving and they are: 1) sober-up- drinking three Guinnesses's before attempting the first shave might not have been wise. I attribute two of the three nicks to overindulgence. 2) stretch that skin as much as you possibly can. 3) SLOW- the third nick could have potentially been avoided had I been more patient.

Looking forward to more trials...

#1 can lead to #2 & #3.

A wise man once said," Guinness is good"

I too had a lot of problems with the chin (as has probably everyone else who ever started using a straight). The last several shaves have been going a lot better though. What I've found works for me is doing a diagonal WTG pass from the outside toward center. Tried this largely because the handlebar mustache prevents me from coming straight down or in from the side as some forums have suggested, but it seems to help a lot. That and a little more confidence with the blade goes a long way.
My advice on the upper lip: grow a mustache. You'll be on the early end of a trend

i kept a shot of bourbon ready on the sink for after i finished my first shave last week. you know, just in case i amputated something imprortant. or to celebrate NOT amputating anything.

Welcome to SRP!

Congrats on your first shave. In time, your shaves will improve.

Oh, and I drink my Guinness after I shave.

Welcome to SRP and congrats on the first shave! Like Mike said, celebrate afterward much safer in my opinion!