My first shave with My Wapi

So I just finished my first straight shave with a 5/8 Wapi I got from GreatWhitehuntr. I managed to do an OK job on my right side and a weak job on the left...not surprising since I'm right handed. I stropped just like everyone said to do on the instructional videos (keep the strop taut and the razor loose), and pre-oiled with Olive Oil and used coffee grounds.

How hard should I be pushing on the razor? The shave I got was similar to a Mach 3, so am I just not being aggressive enough? And how do I practice with the Left handed grip?

It's definitely something I'll have to learn as I shave more and more.:)

This quote from Jimmy's sig line sums it up pretty well.

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An old barber told me to hold the razor securely but lightly enough so that is if it pulls the razor will flex in your fingers and be less likely to nick. He also told me to never force it if it does pull. Following that advice I have rarely gotten a nick.

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As far as practicing with your left hand. You could probably use a butter knife.

I've been straight shaving for 5-6 months now and my left hand is still not as proficient as my right.

Pressure of the blade on your face should be very light. If to much pressure is used your face will burn when you apply after shave or use an allum block. Hella burn equals to much pressure, light tingle job well done! You face will let you know when you are using to much pressure.

Every shave I do is with both hands (I am lucky and ambidextrose) If you want to learn with both hands start now right hand for the right side of you face and left hand for the left side. Some places on your face you might find easier to reach across and use the right hand that is ok, for most it is whatever is comfortable for you!! :gl:

The wiki has a wealth of information. I recommend checking it out, I believe you will find many answers there.

Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I'm just wondering if it's worth having a cartridge razor around for clean up the first few months using a straight? I hate to do it, and would love to be 100% str8 so I can practice, But is that a good thing to do while I'm still getting a hang of it?

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Originally Posted by newbiehippie

I'm just wondering if it's worth having a cartridge razor around for clean up the first few months using a straight? I hate to do it, and would love to be 100% str8 so I can practice, But is that a good thing to do while I'm still getting a hang of it?

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If it will make you less concerned about getting the best shave ever with your straight after a week and a half, then yes, I think it's a good idea.

Lots of people who come from DEs use their DEs for touch ups.

You might find your self less and less inclined to bother, though!

crap
I need to include a note saying I stropped the razor already and just go ahead and shave
this way everyone can be sure to get one good unboogered shave as a point of reference
I'm shaving with everything I sell and then stropping heavily before I send it out to make good and dang sure it shaves
and last but not least, don't use that stick yet because the pastes are fast and will over hone quickly
(btw, the yellow is the more coarse, white-ish if fine)


as far as advice
try to lead with the heal
remember to use VERY light (as in NO) pressure when stropping
lather well
give it a minute to soak
stretch your skin tight!
tighter=better
light pressure, don't be scared to go over it again
better to go back than to go whack!!
too much pressure will bite you in the ass


next time will be better
the next even better yet

(EDIT) oh jesus I just went back and reread your post
you got mach 3 quality the first time?
I'm calling that pretty damn good !! :rock:

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Originally Posted by newbiehippie

I'm just wondering if it's worth having a cartridge razor around for clean up the first few months using a straight? I hate to do it, and would love to be 100% str8 so I can practice, But is that a good thing to do while I'm still getting a hang of it?

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you know I have started including a 2 blade junko $.10 disposable in each razor I send out to a newb :D
I forgot in yours
sorry

OH I have a good idea
I'll buy the pink ones next time
yep, I'll be including a pink disposable in each package