Thread: First Straight in Colorado

Couldn't resist that title...

Intended to only do top-half dominate cheek per instructions. But it went so well just kept going. The left hand was, well, frankly pretty scary, so I did a crossover with a decent hokey-pokey thrown in. didn't get too aggressive around the lips and nose. Only a couple minor scrapes.

Here in the dry high altitude keeping the lather moist was a small challenge. Using Tabac hard soap with a new badger. MUCH better than the cheap old bristle brush and soap I was using for several years along with the old blade whatever kind it was...

The mental aspect of having an ultra sharp blade hovering over the neck was a real trip. Some controlled breathing and careful use got the heart rate down below 150 again and the nerves steadied.

This was a lot more fun than I imagined. I took my time and cleaned up with the old disposable Mach 2 or 3. Already looking forward to tomorrow...

Welcome to SRP and congratulations on your first attempt. Keep us posted on your progress and feel free to ask any questions.

welcome, you seem to be off to a good start. remember do not rush and you will gain confidence with each shave. other areas on your face will become more easy to shave...keep us posted

Congratulations.

I'm down the road from you in New Mexico. I'm at 5600feet so its not the altitude. It may either be a hard water problem or you just might need to use more water. I've never used tabac so I can't advise there however with English milled soaps or MWF I have no issues getting great lather. Just experiment.

Originally Posted by dworks

Couldn't resist that title...
The mental aspect of having an ultra sharp blade hovering over the neck was a real trip.

I remember! Now, I don't even think about how sharp the blade is. And, maybe because of this, when I cut myself - which isn't often, it is more often than not not even my face! The last time, I managed to make a small slice on my non-shaving hand. Don't even know why.

Yes, The first time is a kick. After that the quality (of the shave) only gets better. After a while you reach BBS!

Day Two was better and worse. Too hurried to get out the door for church so a couple more minor nicks. Still sorting out this new soap. Don't think I am getting it foamy enough because when it is, blade slides better. Left hand (non-dominant) better, but still not letting it anywhere near my neck! Getting better on the angle. Ignoring lips and chin until I get further down the road.

Originally Posted by Otto

Yes, The first time is a kick. After that the quality (of the shave) only gets better. After a while you reach BBS!

I have a very high standard to get to. Used to get my haircut and occasional shaves from Curly at the Brown Palace in Denver. He was often voted Best Barber in Denver. Whether it was just cleaning up the haircut around the ears and neck or a full shave, he was precise, steady and quick, even when he had to move to disposable straightedge blades.

Originally Posted by dworks

I have a very high standard to get to. Used to get my haircut and occasional shaves from Curly at the Brown Palace in Denver. He was often voted Best Barber in Denver. Whether it was just cleaning up the haircut around the ears and neck or a full shave, he was precise, steady and quick, even when he had to move to disposable straightedge blades.

I used to go to a barber in north Seattle. He also did razor shaves. I miss that.

Gentlemen,

The first time I shaved with a straight razor my heart played an endless drum solo that rattled my insides. In time the drums grew quieter and the solos shorter.

I still get the butterflies before every shave, though now their wings are much shorter. After 30 years in radio, I still heard the fluttering of butterflies inside me the first time I turned on the microphone to start my show.

Shaving with a straight razor, in a way, is much like encountering a beautiful woman who radiates a sense of danger. Perhaps that's what attracts many of us, butterflies and all.

Regards,

Obie