progress

[JeremyLee]

Well, I have been shaving with a straight for a little over a week now. My Wapi is doin' great. Ordered a couple Dovos from SRD yesterday. So far it is going much better than anticipated. I am doing fairly well switching hands and for the most part have been irritation free. I still use the DE to touch up around the mouth as I am somewhat of a perfectionist and can't stand to feel stubble after a shave, but mainly because I just haven't gotten the angles down in that area. But it is coming along nicely. A couple of things I think may contribute to my early success is that I started adding glycerin to my lather last week; hard water, and I started using an alum block post-shave. I don't know how big a difference they make, but the transition is going rather smoothly, along with my face. (pun?) I have only nicked my strop a few times, and stropping is getting easier too. Sorry for the long post, but perhaps my progress can inspire others.

[gregs656]

sounds like you'e enjoying it, it's nice to be able to feel progress, isn't it?

[JeremyLee]

most definitely. Only problem is the multiple ADs.

[StraightRazorDave]

Congrats! It does sound like you're progressing quite nicely. There's absolutely nothing wrong with using the DE to touch up areas when you're still learning. Actually, in a post/thread by Lynn he suggests to learn how to shave your face with a straight in phases. i.e. Shave only the sideburn area with a straight first for a week, then add the cheeks, etc. until you're comfortable with shaving your entire face with only the straight.

Watch out for those ADs....you never know which one will bite you. I though I would get RAD, but it turns out that I'm MUCH more prone to HAD!! Going on a hone break for now, as I can't afford any for a while...