Hi all,
Wanted to introduce myself, and wanted to seek your feedback regarding my first straight razor shave.
First, some background: I've been DE shaving for a few months, and my technique has improved to the point that I have been consistently getting close to BBS shaves with 3 passes - WTG, XTG and ATG. As well, I understand the importance of prep and lather. I use mainly AoS and T&H creams, and face lather with a Vulfix 377 Super badger brush. Hardware consists of Merkur 38c barberpole with Feather blades.
I've been itching to try straight razor shaving, and after lurking here for several weeks, have acquired a Le Grelot 3/4 grind (shave ready) from Rasurpur, as well as Filly strop from KenRup. Intent is to use the straight on the weekend, until I get comfortable enough to use it every day. I have no intention of getting into honing right now - maybe a few months down the road when I am more comfortable. I've read the wiki, Lynn's advice re: first shave, watched a few videos on youtube incl Mantic/Joel, and yesterday, proceeded to my first straight shave. The Grelot had oil on it, which I wiped off with a tissue. Did not strop prior to first shave.
The results were, in a word, horrible! I had a day and a half of stubble, may have rushed the prep a bit due to excitement. Started on right cheek WTG (I'm right handed), felt some pulling and tugging. Managed to achieve a good amount of reduction, but as I got closer to the jawbone area, tugging worsened. Moved to the left cheek (still using right hand), found it more difficult to achieve a shallow angle, but still managed a good amount of reduction. Decided to be adventurous and go for the full face. Found it difficult to get the correct angle under the nose. Chin was impossible, I have very thick growth there. Neck was ok, but did not achieve as much beard reduction. Tried to keep angle of blade around 30degrees or less, but was not possible in all areas. At various points, the blade would get caught and dig in.
Then, I lathered up a second time, and did another WTG pass. The blade moved more easily on the cheek, since there was less growth to go through, but still pulled on chin, jawbone, and neck. I ended up with a few weepers that mostly closed with a cold water splash, but my face *felt* like it had a million cuts in it. I actually felt it all over when I applied Neutrogena razor defence ASB, and I have never before felt a sting with this ASB.
To finish, I wiped the blade clean with a tissue, and stropped it on the Filly for 10 round trips and put it away. I think my stropping motion needs to get a lot better, but should not have been a factor for the first shave.
So, any thoughts, or suggestions, for improving the next shave? Thanks.