Thread: Fools rush in?

I'm not sure what prompted my curiosity of straight razor shaving. I've never placed shaving very high on my grooming priorities, as I'm not particularly hirsute (I'm 34 and still can't grow a full beard). By and large I think I just fell in love with the whole ritualistic aspect of using a straight razor.

I read and re-read the newbie wiki and decided to just jump in and buy a starter kit from RupRazor. My order was placed on Friday night and my razor and strop were in my mailbox this afternoon...talk about service! I gleefully opened the box and chuckled at some of the instructions included. One in particular.. never shave naked was one of my faves.

I'm ashamed to say that I left the office early just to take a hot shower and then shave (but not in the shower because that's another ruprazor no-no). I promised myself that I would just try shaving the right sideburn as many of my more experienced forum users recommended. I used a 30 degree angle and went with the grain. It was alot easier than I expected, though my hand trembled a bit until I got comfortable holding the razor. I ventured a little further on my cheek and still felt very confident. To cut the story short, I threw caution to the wind and went for a full shave. No blood or major knicks, but there was redness where I must have passed over more than I should have...

Some observations:

1- I seem to do very well WTG on my right side (i'm right handed)

2- Left handed was another story, I struggled trying to reach over to do the left and ended up just using my left hand which was awkward but I think I can get used to it.

3- I'm not sure if my success was due to the pre-shave oil that I used or because I'm just not that hairy. Perhaps both

4- The advice of starting flat on your face and slowly leaning out worked wonders.

5- My starter razor, a Gold Dollar was damn sharp and though very light, felt comfortable in my hands. I think once I get much better at this I'll look for something heavier.

6- Lastly, I'm somewhat concerned that my first shave only took about 15 minutes from start to finish. I've read that some of my fellow newbie brothers have taken up to an hour to shave. Unless someone tells me different, I'll chauk that up to just not having much area to shave and not fret so much about the time it took.


I think I'll continue to press my luck with full face shaves until I spring a leak and receive some much needed humilty.

Peace and Blessings to you all...


AMDG

Congratulations!

Congrats dude. My full bearded brethren and I envy you. I get a 10 o'clock shadow and I'm still clocking in at 1/2 hr for my shaves. But getting better each day. I'm sure you will too!

Welcome ! Sounds like you're off to a great start .

Welcome to SRP and congratulations on the first shave! In terms of time, it really doesn't matter how long it takes, just that the job gets done. You mentioned not having a lot of facial hair. That could be one reason it doesn't take you as long as some to shave. Also many take three or more passes, use heated towels, etc. It sounds like maybe you just took one pass. Using the non-dominate hand is difficult. The first time I took up the straight, I didn't know that ideally one should use two hands. So I shaved for two years with my right hand only. This time around I'm trying to learn to use my left. I'm finding each time I shave, it gets a little easier.
Kent

Welcome to SRP.
Its hard to start slow, my first few shave I went for the whole 9 yards, but after a few days was pretty raw and had a few nicks so I slowed down. The first really bad nick took me a few weeks to get, just as you get ****y or think you got it down bingo blood city. Maybe your luck will be different. Hang in there, and have fun.

Crom

Welcome and congrats. Make sure that you take your time and enjoy the experience. On some shave it takes longer because you are enjoying yourself and want to extend the event. Good luck.

Lewis

Good Job Man, I did the same thing, I went for it. No probs from the start. The irritation may be due to your angle, but still, your off to a great start....For me personally, I get irritated if the razor has been honed on a .25 Diamond Paste.