first shave questions

I shaved for the first time with my Dovo today and all went fairly well, but i have a few questions.
first of all on the package I got my razor in it says that it has been honed by lynn, and does not need to be stroped prior to the first use. it passed the hanging hair test but I didnt get a very close shave, and I didnt cut myself. im wondering if I should have stropped it or if i just have poor technique?
also, i dont have hot water or shaving soap, i just got my beard nice and wet and then mixed shaving cream with water and hoped for the best.
i was able to shave my entire face and neck without cutting myself and the shave is slightly closer than i have experienced in the past using diposable razors. i was expecting for this to be much more difficult and a dramaticly closer and more comfortable shave.
is my razor too dull or is my skill level to blame?

I think this is a problem that a lot of first time shavers encounter.

The expectation for the very best shave in the world on their first time out can be frustrating. We have had some members who have tried a hanging hair test with the oil on the blade and when the hair would not pop, their mind was up that the razor would not shave and nothing would change that. Learning to use a straight razor is not something usually accomplished in a first shave for most people which is why it is recommended to take a little at a time. That way you can learn the angle of the blade and how it works best on your face. I still like to strop before every shave whether the razor has just been honed or not.

As for the beard prep, a little hot water and a good soap goes a long way although we have had members in the past that just shaved with water. They were pretty few and far between. I have not run across cold water shavers before though.

Keep at it and your shaves should definitely improve over the next few weeks. Be careful not to lift up on the razor edge when stropping and change directions by rolling the razor on it's spine.

Keep us posted on your progress and don't worry about dulling the razor. It can always be re-honed.

Have fun,

Lynn

i was expecting for this to be much more difficult and a dramaticly closer and more comfortable shave.
is my razor too dull or is my skill level to blame?


It is difficult to master; once you do the close comfortable shaves will begin. Your razor is very sharp, unfortunately as a first-time shaver your skills are not. :)

Now, have a beer and ponder what you'll do next time. :beer2:

Thanks guys, glad to hear that its me and not the razor!

I strongly recommend you buy shaving soap and a mug immediately. When I started, I used regular shaving cream, not knowing whether straight shaving would "stick." Mistake. Spend $7.50 at Walmart or Rexall or CVS Pharmacies for a bowl and shaving soap. The soap will be cheap. But, it will get you on the road quickly.

Shaving cream is too dry to start with, and dries out too quickly after applying. Shave soap... the way to go.

Preparation is important! Do not skip this step, is like the foundation of a building; if poor the whole thing will collapse.

Welcome!

I've been at the straight for a few years now and have lived and shaved with out running hot water. i survived initially by washing my face with a good bar of soap and letting the lather sit on my wet face for 3 - 5 mintutes, rinsing, the then applying my shaving cream. Not having hot water really sucks because your beard more easily absorbs it - so cold water shaving will need a fair bit more prep time to allow your beard to soften.

Eventually, I bought a propane stove and boiled my water for shaving becuase it's way easier.

The other thing you may benfit from is a pre-shave oil to help smooth out your shaves - oilive oil seems to work well in this regard.

Good Luck!

Hi, you've had some good answers already so I'll just say welcome. Don't be discouraged, there is a learning curve, angle of the blade is very important at the start. Good luck.

There are a few "Givens" in life, or No Brainers. If the razor you have has the little white paper on it, certifying that it was honed by Lynn, rest assured, your razor is more than shave ready. His honing skills are what the rest of us shoot for, or use as a bench mark.
Just keep at it, The good shaves will come, and it will be something you will look forward to. Welcome....

As said above, just relax and keep at it, the best things in life dont tend to come as quick fix, and that more than includes str8 shaving.
Right guys??

I was like you initially thinking where's this great shave everyone was going on about.However through reading lots of info on this forum i kept going and the results kept improving,onething that made a big difference for me was letting the stubble grow for a couple of days and also using a damp flannel heated in the microwave for 30 secs(take care they come out hot!!)Also the angle you shave at will become second nature.Good luck for your future CLOSE shaves


:tu

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Originally Posted by cubed1

Welcome!

I've been at the straight for a few years now and have lived and shaved with out running hot water. i survived initially by washing my face with a good bar of soap and letting the lather sit on my wet face for 3 - 5 mintutes, rinsing, the then applying my shaving cream. Not having hot water really sucks because your beard more easily absorbs it - so cold water shaving will need a fair bit more prep time to allow your beard to soften.

Eventually, I bought a propane stove and boiled my water for shaving becuase it's way easier.

The other thing you may benfit from is a pre-shave oil to help smooth out your shaves - oilive oil seems to work well in this regard.

Good Luck!

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Proper beard preparation requires plenty of hot water; not cold!. Oils are ok but care must be taken since the SR can slip out of your hand. Not a good thing.