What happened on my first shave

[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