What happened on my first shave

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03-26-2009, 11:09 PM
colorado

Hi Everyone,

My name is Don and I’m from Loveland, Colorado. I have been checking Straight Razor Place out for months since my brother-in-law sends me links to see pictures and up dates. I didn’t want to join until I had my first shave.

Ok, this is my first shave and I have to admit I really never thought much about straight razor shaves until my brother-in-law said I needed to try it. So the next time I saw him he had razors, soaps, a strop and everything else I needed. So what could I do but try.

It was nerve racking enough putting a razor to my face but having someone stand there and watch me made me even more nervous. Especially when it is someone who knows what they're doing.

After a lesson on stropping, wetting the face, holding the razor, and building the correct lather I was ready to go. I put the lather on my face but according to my brother-in-law I didn’t press hard enough. So I pounded my face with the brush. Soap and water was flying everywhere. My brother-in-law told me that it wasn’t much of a mess compared to what some of you do.

Then came the razor. I carefully picked it up (like I was taught) with my right hand and reached for my left sideburn. He said many people use two hands but I didn’t feel comfortable with my left hand. Maybe someday I will be able to use both hands.

I tried every which way to see what I was doing. I took my other hand and pulled my face up, down and sideways to no avail. So I tilted my head until my neck couldn’t go any further. Then finally I felt comfortable to make the first stroke.

On my first stoke I nicked my ear. Glen quickly said don’t worry that happens to everyone. I think he was trying to encourage me. I’m thinking sure it does and how many more times is this going to happen before this shave ends. Each stoke I took he reminded me to watch my fingers, be careful and slow down. If it weren’t for him I would probably have a scar on my cheek and a missing finger.

I went so slow that my lather dried up. So I had to re-wet my face and put more lather on. I have to say Glen was so encouraging. He finally said lets work on upper cheeks and at another time we will work on the neck and chin area. I thought that was a good idea. Who knows what would have happened if I continued.

The results surprised me. My face was (where I shaved) was smooth. I have never had this close of a shave. Glen showed me everything and even is teaching me about soaps and blades. Oh, the first blade I used was a Kama. Glen actually refurbished it, honed it and made it shave ready. I also have a Filarmonica 5/8 spike point ready to go. Many of you may know Glen as gssixgun.

I can’t wait until my next shave. Maybe I’ll be quick enough to do some of my neck.

Have a blessed day.
Don
03-26-2009, 11:33 PM
gregs656

from another one who's new to this whole business, good luck!

Sounds like you're making a fine start.
03-26-2009, 11:52 PM
aroliver59

You're lucky to have Glen with you when you're starting out.He's one of the resident "Gurus" around here and he really really knows what he's talking about.Most of us had to start out on our own and ask questions on the forum after making our mistakes.
03-27-2009, 12:01 AM
Rajagra

Congrats! :tu
You are lucky to know someone who can show you the way in person.
I used to have the soap dry up on me all the time at first. And I'm always poking my ears, though somehow I manage not to cut them!
03-27-2009, 12:43 AM
jszabo

welcome to srp. having a first time private lesson from glen:rock: thats getting off on the right foot great post, keep us up to date on your progress and :gl:
03-27-2009, 04:10 AM
Tonsor

Welcome to SRP, Don,

It's great to have someone there to help you through your first str8 shave and even better when it is Glen. Glen has been a big help to many of us here. Enjoy your shaves, they just get better and better.
03-27-2009, 04:20 AM
sbrouwers

Very lucky to have someone with experience to help you along. After a few weeks on this site I kinda felt that way when I started but like most when it was time to put the blade to my face for the first time I was all alone and it was all on me. It is the little stuff that will be easier on you with hands on help, prep, lather, and when it comes time to learn to hone make sure you take him up on that offer!!! Well use Glens help and enjoy your new addiction!!!:gl:
03-27-2009, 07:41 AM
ben.mid

You'll be on the accelerated learning curve if you've got a real person to help & advise! It's amazing what you can learn here, but it's harder than having someone with you.
Good luck & enjoy it!
03-27-2009, 01:31 PM
welshwizard

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorado

Then came the razor. I carefully picked it up (like I was taught) with my right hand and reached for my left sideburn. He said many people use two hands but I didn’t feel comfortable with my left hand. Maybe someday I will be able to use both hands.

I tried every which way to see what I was doing. I took my other hand and pulled my face up, down and sideways to no avail. So I tilted my head until my neck couldn’t go any further. Then finally I felt comfortable to make the first stroke.

Am I the only person on the planet that finds it easier to shave left side of face with right hand and vice-versa?
03-27-2009, 01:44 PM
gregs656

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshwizard

Am I the only person on the planet that finds it easier to shave left side of face with right hand and vice-versa?

No, I am the same. though quite often just use my right hand and switch the direction of the blade. Always start with my left side as that's where i'm most comfortable.
03-27-2009, 04:15 PM
ben.mid

I find my hand get's in the line of sight if i just use the one. I'm far from ambidextrous, but learned to use the non dominant for shaving.
03-27-2009, 05:04 PM
dward

Congrats man! And to have living help with you is priceless.

Should we break the news about our various diseases now? (RAD, SAD, MAD, HAD etc...) :rofl2:
03-27-2009, 06:32 PM
mlangstr

I've never seen anybody shave with a straight IRL let alone show me how to do that.
Help from Glen must have saved you from at least a dozen newb pitfalls..

I would say that that must have been priceless..

Hope you will love the straight shave experience as much as I do..

Maarten
03-27-2009, 07:06 PM
JCitron

Welcome and congrats on your first str8 shave.

I've been in it for a year now and I'd still be nervous to have someone like Glen standing by and watching me. As has been said many times before, you're very lucky to have Glen as a teacher.

Man, I wish I had a brother in law who happened to be a straight razor guru.
03-27-2009, 08:21 PM
colorado

Another shave

First let me thank all of you for your encouragement. It is wonderful to have people share their experiences and expertise.

Another shave with Glen by my side. This shave no blood. That's encouraging in itself. I even was able to shave my neck. I still need to work on the jaw bone area. The last place I need to shave is the chin. I'm taking it slow and enjoying the learning process and a much better shave. Glen took the time to teach me to strop again. I have to say I'm slowly getting it. I know if Glen wasn't here it would be a much much longer road.

Again thank you everyone and I look forward to learning a long the way.

God Bless,
Don
03-27-2009, 10:23 PM
gregs656

Keep at it, glad you're enjoying it.
03-28-2009, 12:52 AM
Blackstangal

CONGRATS!!!:tu And dont worry, it only gets better:rock:

Quote:

Originally Posted by colorado

Hi Everyone,

My name is Don and I’m from Loveland, Colorado. I have been checking Straight Razor Place out for months since my brother-in-law sends me links to see pictures and up dates. I didn’t want to join until I had my first shave.

Ok, this is my first shave and I have to admit I really never thought much about straight razor shaves until my brother-in-law said I needed to try it. So the next time I saw him he had razors, soaps, a strop and everything else I needed. So what could I do but try.

It was nerve racking enough putting a razor to my face but having someone stand there and watch me made me even more nervous. Especially when it is someone who knows what they're doing.

After a lesson on stropping, wetting the face, holding the razor, and building the correct lather I was ready to go. I put the lather on my face but according to my brother-in-law I didn’t press hard enough. So I pounded my face with the brush. Soap and water was flying everywhere. My brother-in-law told me that it wasn’t much of a mess compared to what some of you do.

Then came the razor. I carefully picked it up (like I was taught) with my right hand and reached for my left sideburn. He said many people use two hands but I didn’t feel comfortable with my left hand. Maybe someday I will be able to use both hands.

I tried every which way to see what I was doing. I took my other hand and pulled my face up, down and sideways to no avail. So I tilted my head until my neck couldn’t go any further. Then finally I felt comfortable to make the first stroke.

On my first stoke I nicked my ear. Glen quickly said don’t worry that happens to everyone. I think he was trying to encourage me. I’m thinking sure it does and how many more times is this going to happen before this shave ends. Each stoke I took he reminded me to watch my fingers, be careful and slow down. If it weren’t for him I would probably have a scar on my cheek and a missing finger.

I went so slow that my lather dried up. So I had to re-wet my face and put more lather on. I have to say Glen was so encouraging. He finally said lets work on upper cheeks and at another time we will work on the neck and chin area. I thought that was a good idea. Who knows what would have happened if I continued.

The results surprised me. My face was (where I shaved) was smooth. I have never had this close of a shave. Glen showed me everything and even is teaching me about soaps and blades. Oh, the first blade I used was a Kama. Glen actually refurbished it, honed it and made it shave ready. I also have a Filarmonica 5/8 spike point ready to go. Many of you may know Glen as gssixgun.

I can’t wait until my next shave. Maybe I’ll be quick enough to do some of my neck.

Have a blessed day.
Don