Thread: First Shave, OUCH, any advice?

Originally Posted by Stephen436

Now I don't know if the above statement "pre-sharpened" is true and it is sharp enough or maybe I was going too slow with the blade.
It seemed as the blade was pulling on the stubble rather than cutting it but keep in mind I was hesitant of going too fast. I had to dig in to get results but at the same time I was a little afraid to dig in and move the blade faster and end up with a nasty cut. When I tried it on a leg the hair came right off, no issue.
So my questions are:
Am I moving too slow?
Even though I drew blood is this blade sharp enough (because it was bought from a reputable company)?
Is this normal because perhaps my skin is not used to a blade?
What is the best degree to hold the blade?

It is true, these razors are probably very sharp. It seems more like an angle issue to me. Since you are asking about angles, permit me to recommend you the following illustrated page of what the experts recommend for angles in the different pases. As newbies goes, you should start by only shaving in the direction of the grain the easy parts of your face (your cheeks) with the straight at first and leave neck, etc for later when your technique improves. The wiki is an outstanding resource to answer question, have checked these:

Advanced shaving techniques for the straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Stropping before every shave is very important, particularly after your first shave. Since you likely would get there soon, let me point you in that direction:

Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Wiki

In terms of preparation, the wiki has a great section about it I cannot stress the importance of bear preparation for good results. Also, using good quality products:

chaphttp://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwiki/index.php/Get_a_better_shaving_result_by_improving_your_prep arationter

The wiki also has good sections on building lather if you think that could be part of the problem, check these out:

Illustrated Guide to Making Basic Soap Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Illustrated quide to making basic cream lather in three different ways - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Illustrated Guide to making Ãœberlather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...-homemade.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...od-lather.html

Good luck the next time and please let us know how it goes.

Al raz.

For angle try this just on your cheek. Lay the razor *flat* on your face and take a short stroke. Probably won't shave anything since the edge might not even be on the skin. On the next stroke in a different spot try lifting the spine off your face just a little bit (5* to 10*?). Next stroke try 20*. Go to where it shaves well and then compare to the angle you used for your first shave. If there's a big difference in angle then that was most likely your problem. If the feel is the same where it shaves well then you can move on to address some other problem. Prep, strop technique (it's possible to damage/degrade the edge by stropping incorrectly.), etc.

Just keep shaving. The learning curve is measured in months, not shaves. Read the forums and watch the videos, but just keep shaving. If you persist, you cannot fail, but if you give up, you will never know what you missed.

Scott

Good info from everybody above.. also be really gentle.. you don't need very much pressure with a sharp straight...too much and it can hurt

Here's my two cents, for what it's wort (which even in this economy, two cents won't buy you much).

Firstly, as mentioned before, shave prep is awfully important with a straight razor. Personally, I like to actually put my face right in to the spray of the shower right before I hop out and shave then. I find that the good blast of hot water jelps to soften my stubble a bit more than just the steam and hair washing run off.

When lathering, remember it's the slickness that's going to help your comfort levels. Make sure not to mix your lather so dry that it seems very nice and thick, but is actually a little sticky.

When you get to the actual shaving, contort and pull your face to get the skin nice and tight. This actually does make a difference in the feeling of the shave, not just the closeness. Don't be afraid to actually grab ahold of your skin and pull it where you need it to go. Also remember soap is cheap. If your grip is slipping on your lather when you're trying to shave, just wipe it off where your trying to pull and throw some more lather on when you're done.

Now, this is the most important piece of advice I can pass on. Don't give up or get discouraged. You actually will notice a difference every couple shaves. For one, your face will get used to being raked with a razor, for two you'll just get better as you go. My first two shaves were atrocious, by shave seven or so I could get a pretty close, pretty comfortable shave. More close and comfortable than I could get with a Bic anyhow. You'll continue to improve for months, but your first few shaves will likely all improve by leaps and bounds.

Oh, and lastly, for the chin. If you can, just pull your chin up as far as you can and do it down to where your chin curves, then stretch the skin as far as you can the other way and shave under your chin. If you're lucky, you may not have to shave the sudden curve at all. :P

Stephen - as a fellow newb, I agree that the beginning is hard, frustrating & even discouraging - but look at the great reaction, information & support you are getting from this welcoming, knowledgable group! If they can do it (and the many, many others who came long before us & succeded) then so can we - stick with it, take it slow & enjoy. Martin