First and second shaves down... well on my way.

I'm shaving with soap and a Green Pakkawood Dovo 5/8ths Straight Razor. I got a gift set from ClassicShaving.com to get me started so everything I have/use right now came from that.

I take a second mug and fill it halfway with very hot water (my dispenser has a hot side that you can use for instant soups and the like) then drop my brush in it, strop my blade and jump in the shower. While in the shower I massage/wash my face twice (first thing and last thing) before getting out and drying off everything but my face. From there I lather up and do the shave. At that point everything seems well loosened up and the shave goes well. Or as well as can be expected for a newb, lol.

First try was kind of a breaking the ice try. I had seen videos and been lurking forums and the like for some time though so had somewhat of an idea what to do. I did my sideburns and cheeks with little problem WTG but wasn't comfortable holding the blade and twice set it down too hard or unevenly resulting in a paper cut like nick. With that in mind I decided to leave the neck and any ATG work for next time.

Next try went much better. It sounds silly but I spent time handling the blade and practicing without touching my face or having to deal with foggy mirror, lather, etc. By the time I was ready to really shave I had a firm handle (pun intended) on it and felt much more comfortable handling it. I was able to do WTG on most of my face (yay for a goate, less hard parts to do) and ATG on my sideburns and cheeks. Over all a pleasant experience and I was surprised at how little irritation my face felt.

I did have some dragging and it wasn't quite as smooth as I think it could've been (though most of my sideburns and cheeks were damn near BBS) but I think that comes down to my lather... I know I got it wrong.

So I guess the next project is to practice lathering until I can get a real lather instead of a semi-lather but mostly soapy mess lather. That and doing the close work on my goate that I avoided (under the nose, clean up around the lip, etc). I'm really enjoying learning it though and already see how my shaves will be much smoother and so much more comfortable than cartridge shaving was able to do for me.

No real questions this go round just blogging, lol. Though if anyone has tips on getting a solid lather from a puck of soap I'm all ears. I think I just need to go back to the videos and instructional posts and practice some more is all.

Congrats, it sounds like you're off to a great start. For lathering, try shaking all the excess water our of your brush - then load it on a moistened soap. Build the lather directly on your face until it's kind of pasty. They quickly flick the brush under lightly running water and continue building the lather. look for a shiny, moderately thick consistency. Enjoy.

Jordan

congratulations keep it going

Congrats and welcome,

It just gets better and better. I was a face latherer for many years but switched to a separate lather mug when I took up str8s. Even so, I still work the brush into my beard. Try both methods and see which you prefer. Making practice lather is a good idea. Add hot water a tsp at a time and whip up the lather. Feel it in your hand and in the brush. Then add another tsp of hot water and see how it changes. The lather will get better and better until there is too much water. You'll learn how much water you need to add and what dry, just right, and too wet feels like. :gl:

For me face lathering was fine with a DE but not for a straight. I discovered the bowl and haven't looked back. Here are Mantic's videos on lathering. Very instructive IME.

I had to gradually develop my technique of stretching the skin and figure out blade angle depending on where I was on the map. Figuring out different directions of stretching and plans of attack came later and with it improved shaves. I'm still learning. :)