Thread: My first shave. 5-30-09

Today was the first day...and I enjoyed it!

In an effort to save a few bucks I ended up buying everything needed for straight razor shaving from two different websites. Only one order made it to me so far, so I had to make due on a few things.

I got my razor, mug and DVD from Straight Razor Designs yesterday. My brush, strop and soap should be here on Tuesday from Knife Center. I couldn't wait though!

So, I started off simple, just like the DVD says. I started with a nice hot shower, and soaked my face in water that was hotter than I normally use. I then jumped out, dried off and grabbed the only shave cream I have available, Gillette Fusion. I applied to my entire face, mostly out of habit, but only planned on shaving the right side of my face. I started at my side burn and worked down with one long stroke all the way to my jaw bone. It felt fine, and left a very smooth face! I then moved towards my mouth, and with one long stroke finished my right cheek. So, I moved on...

I switched hands and started on my left side burn, two big strokes and that was done. Left handed didn't feel any different once I figured out to hold the razor with my left hand...which was probably funny if someone had been watching me try to figure it out. I then worked below my mouth...which was tougher as it didn't seem the blade wanted to slide as easily, it sort of skipped...but didn't nick me at all. I think I was being to gentle. I decided to move on and leave my chin alone. I moved to below my nose and it to was tough, the blade didn't want to slide across the skin but would happily skip across it just like my chin.

My neck was very easy, just like my cheeks. I got my only cut when I placed the blade on the far left side of my neck below my ear. The cut bleed forever, but is not noticable now.

So all in all. I need practice on my chin and below my nose. But the cheeks and neck are not tough at all. Much easier than I thought it would be, and the shave is pretty darn good. Not perfect but I am happy for my first time.

Here is the new razor and mug...the brush, strop and soad will be here on Tue!

great going!
im glad you did the whole face, im totally against the whole "just do the cheeks" philosophy, youd never learn!
nice lookin razor! i havent used a dovo yet

That's a damnsight better than I did my first go.
Congrats!

Originally Posted by jakoblah

That's a damnsight better than I did my first go.
Congrats!

Yes, me too. Well done.

Congrats on a great start. I bought the same razor one month ago from SRD and I am just now able to do a complete shave with just my straight. Take your time and don't worry about the learning curve. Have fun!

Congrats on the first shave! You picked a geat razor to start off with - enjoy!!