Thread: First Shave and Question

I just finished my first straight razor shave. Granted, it wasn't a complete shave but I gave it a go and quit when I felt uncomfortable. No cuts, couple of weepers, and overall it went quite well. I can definately tell that this will take some learning and getting used to. I could get BBS on my sideburn area with no problems but the rest of my face and neck is going to take some practice.

The blade seemed to skip some but with no pain or irritation. I would imagine that most of this can be blamed on technique more than anything. Howerver, my question is do most of you use a pre-shave oil to help a little with glide. With a DE I thought pre shave oil was a waste but wanted to know your opinion using it with a straight.

BTW, I am hooked. Just the little bit I shaved off was more enjoyable and closer than I can get with a DE. Thanks for the addiction, I am already looking for more items to buy.

Don't worry about getting that BBS. It will come in time. Work on your pressures and angles. As has been recommended so many times, shave the area between the sideburn and jaw line, and with WTG only. Does this until you are comfortable. Once you have that mastered, you can add new areas of your face and different techniques (XG and ATG). You'll be surprised how quickly it comes.

No, no preshave oils. I think they are kinda silly, but I can't really say that because I have to be nice. There are probably alot of people that use and enjoy them.

Just this morning I washed my face with cold water and soap, added hand soap lather with my hands and had a great shave, no prep time at all.

My point is that I find a straight razor much more comfy and easy to use than any other method, but that did take a while to learn.

I was told by a pro that they are required for the disposable straights because those are so rough on the face.

Thanks for the info. Like I side I didn't feel any discomfort from the "skipping" and frankly it was still cutting so I suppose that is normal and I am just not used to it. I can't wait to give it another go tomorrow. Lets see what razor should I get next!!!!

+1 No need for preshave oil. Work on proper Beard prep and take your time learning to shave. Play with the blade angles carefully you will get there. The more you shave the more you will figure out and that's a great feeling in itself.

I gave you an incomplete answer, a little bad analysis on my part. I do not have very much experience with "skipping".

I do think though that the causes of skipping include improper support (insufficient skin stretching, mostly support of the skin against the edge), too much pressure against the skin, a poorly stropped blade, and the wrong angle.

I think you have to support the skin, set the angle, and then with utter gentleness smoothly stroke the blade barely touching the surface of the skin.

If the razor runs into the skin's surface it'll catch and skip.

Stretching was probably my main culprit. Now that I think about it there were plenty of times I forgot to stretch and this was when most of the skipping happened. I will focus on this tomorrow and see if that helps.

Thanks for all of the help. I have read the wiki several times but having tips from members is really helping me.

Hi and welcome.

Was your razor honed by a pro? How is your stropping?
There is no need to use pre-shave oil, just make sure that your lather doesn't dry out while you shave.

Originally Posted by Otto

Hi and welcome.

Was your razor honed by a pro? How is your stropping?
There is no need to use pre-shave oil, just make sure that your lather doesn't dry out while you shave.

The razor was purchased and honed by SRD. Stropping, on the other hand, is still a learning process for me. It is so hard for me to tell if I am doing it correctly or not. I believe I am but I may not be doing it enough.

For most of us stropping is more difficult to learn than we thought (speaking personally anyway). Making sure that the spine is in contact with the surface at the same time as the edge is key. Other than that, it's practice. I had massive problems with the flip. Was about six months before it felt intuitive.