First straight blade shave...did not go well at all. Im lost..
So I finally got my blade in the mail today, everyone here said it was from a reputable source. WM. Elliot&CO
I prepped my face by putting some conditioner on on my chin and mustache...this is where most of my facial hair grows. My cheeks just get small patchs of hair (which i shaved off this morning). Anyways, after i put the conditioner on i soaked my face with a hot towel for 5 mins or so. My beard was noticeably softer. So i whipped up a foam with my brush and soap and applied the lather.
And thats about when everything seemed to go downhill. After reading "The art of the straight razor shave" by Christopher Moss, i followed the directions by placing the blade flat on my face and lifting it slightly (a 30 degree angle...?). I started on my upper lip going WTG, and right off the bat it seemed to be catching my hair and not cutting it at all. It almost seemed like i wasnt getting enough glide on my face. I attempted using the weight of the blade and not applying too much pressure, but it seemed like i needed to add more.
I gave up on my lip and tried my chin, this seemed to work a bit better but still barely any hair was getting cut. What am i doing wrong here...? I know my blade is good so im thinking it may have to do with the cheap soap i bought, that came with a bowl and brush at WAL MART. I have ordered the Truefitt and hill shave cream and a starter badger brush. Will this help me out at all? I honestly feel like it had something to do with the lather and of course my technique. I had to reapply the lather a few times because it seemed to dry up on my face...almost like i was moving too slow. But i was trying to take my time, like so many people stress on here.
I know this has been a long winded ramble and all, but im honestly disappointed. Ive read numerous posts of peoples "first shaves" that turned out much better than this. I basically gave up because i could not find a technique that would work in the slightest for me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I really am interested in doing this...ive just been kinda let down by this expierience.
Thanks guys