Virginity lost update

Well fellows, what can I say. I'm still struggling. Especially with the manipulation of the razor. (At least I'm not hacking myself up as much.) I know they say it's a long slow curve but I have to admit to second guessing myself, on a number of fronts... for example... is it the razor? (New/used that came shave ready from Ronnie Brown.) I doubt it's that. I'm still no where near the job I can do with my DE. (I know, I know...) sigh... (About a month into it and it takes a great deal of time just to do a first pass.) Please tell me others experienced the same thing. I am not giving up though.

Everyone progresses according to their own abilities so while one guy can pick up a straight and be shaving like a pro in minutes another can take many many months. Those are the exceptions so most fall in-between. As I recall I was getting reasonable shaves within about 2 weeks and pretty good ones in about a month. It took me 6 months before I had complete facility with the razor.

Just remember at one time straights were the only ticket so if tens of millions could master it I'm certain you can too.

You need to forget about quitting . Start slowly and you will be successful. check videos and questions. This forum is very helpful and you will see it right away.
This is most people how starts but as soon as you learn it you will enjoy straight shaving.
GL

Oh I won't quit... just a bit of frustration I guess. Thanks for the encouragement though!

do not think about giving up. just think how much you will enjoy shaving once you master your style. i hate to repeat what others may have said, but it does take time and there is a learning curve and i promise you it will all come in time. do not rush or get discouraged:rant:. it came to me also a little at a time and i am very glad to say i stuck with it and now look forward to each and every shave.:D

I can't quit! My wife would never let me hear the end of it after all I've spent!!! :)

That's the spirit! 2 very good reasons not to quit.:D

In all seriousness, it does take some time. You not only have to learn how to handle a razor, but you have to really learn your particular beard. Some areas that would be easy to get using a DE won't respond so well w/ a straight, even when using a seemingly identical stroke--as least that was true for me. In time you'll learn more advanced tricks like the scything/guillotine stroke (The wiki has that and so much more...) and how to use them on those trouble spots.

Right now, I'd just focus on getting comfortable w/ the razor, doing a little more each day and finishing w/ the DE if you have to. The goal is to eventually do everything with a straight, but don't rush yourself in the beginning. Experiment & see what works for you.

Just like they say, do only what you can do and feel comfortable with using the straight razor. It took me 8 solid weeks or more of careful shaving with the straight, just doing the easy parts for me (cheeks, neck, parts of the chin). Each few days, as I got more comfortable with the razor and my technique improved, I found myself doing other's parts of my face I hadn't done before. Then, magically & to my complete surprise, one day I did my entire face without using my old system (Gilette Fusion). Wow, what a day that was, and I was not expecting that. I have never used the old system again after that.

From my perspective, a month is not a long time when trying to master an art involving a razor sharp blade. As some famous guy here says " Have fun" :D

Just take your time and it will come together in time. Patience is a real virtue. I've been shaving with a straight for about 2 & 1/2 months now and I am just getting comfortable shaving my chin. Keep us posted.