Thread: First time be gentle

So i just finished my first shave with a straight razor. I used a 5/8 dubl duck goldedge i picked up from the classifieds. All in all i'd say it was pretty good. Not the best shave i've had but not the worst either. I wouldnt call it painful but it did scratch a bit but less than with my safety razor. A couple of small nicks as i suspected but nothing that didnt stop with a splash of cold water. The hardest part was above the lip, chin and my neck. Also being a righty and trying to switch to my left hand to get the other side of my face. It was strange holding a straight and trying to find the proper angle to get to some of those tougher spots. Got some pretty wicked razor burn too but i'm expecting that to stop happening as i get more experience. Guess i need to spend some more time watching video and reading the wiki. But i would still chalk this up as a successful step in the right direction

From what I hear, that's a razor you can't go wrong with.

Don't worry too much about the nicks a burn. Today was shave #5 for me, and I'm already getting the hang of switching sides and while I did irritate some existing razor burn, I didn't make any new burn, and I didn't nic myself at all today.

Just stay relaxed and enjoy it. I'm sure we'll both be old pros in no time.

Welcome to SRP, and enjoy your stay here.

Keep in mind that shaving with a straight is an acquired art which takes months rather than weeks to learn. You might indeed want to go through the Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki again. You are trying to do all at once, and that approach might lead to disappointment. While shaving itself seems the most daunting task, it is only one part of the straight shaving equation. I would encourage you to get your stropping and preparation absolutely right first. You will get dissatisfactory results with a dull(ish) razor, dry foam, or too little stretching, I can promise you that.

That said, I did exactly what you did, dove right in, got nicked, did not mind. After all, there is a certain manliness aspect to straight shaving, too...

Sounds like you are on track. Rarely do I read of someone getting it right the first time, like never. There are so many variables to straight razor shaving that need to be learned. That is what makes straight shaving fun and a challenge. The learning curve is fast.

Hang in there, it gets much better quickly.

Sounds like you're doing well. As others have said, read around here, there's a wealth of useful information and generosity. Welcome.

Welcome Cowboy!,

Looks like you just dove in the straight pool..
Razorburn can mean a couple of things.. too much pressure, to many time over the same spot. too steep of an angle or a beard prep that could use some more attention.

The shaves will probably get better pretty soon..

Have fun,

Maarten

You're getting there. There's a learning curve to a straight, but nothing practice won't solve.

Always be gentle...

Jordan