Very First Shave WTG. Excellent.

I'd like to thank all you guys here at Straight Razor Place for fully preparing me for my first shave. I just got all my necessities together this week and have been anticipating shave #1.

I decided to make my first attempt this morning. I took a hot shower and got everything in place. Stropped my shave ready razor using minimal pressure with many passes in the "x" pattern. I'm taking it real slow and light to develop my stropping technique. I tested the blade on my arm and it popped the hair right off. I then proceeded to load my badger brush with glycerin soap and lathered it up with some Nomad shave cream from Crabtree and Evelyn. I used very small light strokes with the grain on my sideburns making sure to find the best angle. I did well with my sideburn, continued with my cheek and then went to the other side. I very carefully went on to my neck. It was going so well that I was going to attempt my chin but decided that I needed more practice handling the razor before I sliced my chin open.

So for my first shave I only did WTG (with the grain) and it went well. I finished it all up with the disposable. After washing my face off I used an Alum block, some light witch hazel and followed with a Lemon based aftershave gel from the Art of Shaving.

I'm happy with my efforts and I am real excited to learn, slowly but surely, how to shave like a gentleman. I attribute this successful shave to all the wise shaving experts and feedback from all the newbies. Thank so much and I look forward to mastering this artform.

Excellent !!! Glad to hear it well,there will be bumps in the road but they only get better as technique and experience come into play. :)

Congratulations. :) Sounds like you did great Ribbs!

I'm so jealous... I ordered my first razor a week ago and it isn't here yet. I can't wait to get started! I've gone so purchase happy I'm going to have a collection before I even start shaving with a straight.

Sounds like another GREAT start!

Be sure to take it slow and progress a little each time, don't rush.

Enjoy!

:beer1:

Congrats! My first shave is still to come, as I'm waiting for my razors to arrive. I hope it's as successful as yours!

You have taken your first few steps down a path that at times can be a tough one to follow but one that that leads to great things! Wow, look at me being all deep......yeah. It is so nice to have this great forum at your finger tips when you need it, along with the all the guys and gals here to lend a helping hand when needed. Be proud all of you, you are a great group! And to all the new shavers here, don't ever be afraid to ask a question here, there is nothing wrong with gathering and learning whatever you can, and don't hesitate to share with us as well. Above all else though, just have a good time with it all :).
Thats about all I've got...........bla bla bla

my first shave was great also, now I'm addicted

Congratulations! Just remember patience is a virtue and is true when it comes to holding the blade next to your jugular :o)

Yes yes. I've made some progress since the first shave.

My second shave was last night and it surprisingly went excellent as well. I made a full WTG pass and a XTG pass as well. I had minor nicks on my neck and I made sure to stay away from the chin. I made some decent passes around my chin and under my bottom lip but I am not comfortable enough holding my razor yet to make any good strokes on my chin.

Other than that all is well in my world. I'm glad to have such great feedback and help from Straight Razor Place forums.