Thread: Hi I'm a complete N00B

Welcome to SRP. As everyone else sent you to the WIKI I won't repeat it, but it is the place to start. 59Caddy is correct in saying to take it slow. As a newbie, if you still have ears and a nose you're doing fine. Straight razors are precision tools that rely on the user's skills to perform well. This takes time to develop so be patient. Prep your beard properly with a hot shower or long hot face wash. Use good shave cream or soap. Be aware of your blade angle at all times and know where the tip of the blade is every moment. The blade may be ~ 3 inches long but that doesn't mean that the entire length is cutting hair. Practice, take your time and maybe more your shave time to the evening for a while so you are not rushed and can concentrate on your shave.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by 59caddy

hi and welcome,
looks like you are getting started great. one thing that i might add is too take it slow and do not rush the process. it takes time to learn proper shaving skills, like stretching the skin and proper prep. do not get discouraged if you have a couple of setbacks. do not give up and you will find this will be you of the most enjoyable things in life. you will start to look forward to shaving instead of thinking it a chore...good luck

Thank you very much

I'm still pretty new to straight razor shaving (less than 2 months) and my first few shaves were the worst shaves I had in my life. Including the worst razor burn I've ever had the first five days of shaving. The shaves are improving and when I have time on the weekends I practice my technique these past two weeks I've been able to get a BBS with five passes (weekends) and a DFS with two passes during the week. I have to shave every day because of my profession so if I can do it and I don't consider myself particularly coordinated or above average you can do it too!

Originally Posted by ArcticShaver

I'm still pretty new to straight razor shaving (less than 2 months) and my first few shaves were the worst shaves I had in my life. Including the worst razor burn I've ever had the first five days of shaving. The shaves are improving and when I have time on the weekends I practice my technique these past two weeks I've been able to get a BBS with five passes (weekends) and a DFS with two passes during the week. I have to shave every day because of my profession so if I can do it and I don't consider myself particularly coordinated or above average you can do it too!

Sorry but BBS?
See I'm a N00B by every definition of the word...

BBS is baby butt smooth, that perfect smooth shave we all aim for

Oh OK thank you
From the airforce I only remember the tripple s

Shit, shower and shave....

Originally Posted by NewShaver

Wow, thanks you guys.
I'm not used to forums or this way of shaving so I really appreciate the input and the help Thank you guys

Talk about making a guy feel welcome. This is nice.

Welcome - you're not going to find a finer group of gentlemen anywhere. It always helps to remember that there are real people behind the handles who can really help you get started. In the words of my Patron de Rasage, ENJOY!

Originally Posted by ArcticShaver

I'm still pretty new to straight razor shaving (less than 2 months) and my first few shaves were the worst shaves I had in my life. Including the worst razor burn I've ever had the first five days of shaving. The shaves are improving and when I have time on the weekends I practice my technique these past two weeks I've been able to get a BBS with five passes (weekends) and a DFS with two passes during the week. I have to shave every day because of my profession so if I can do it and I don't consider myself particularly coordinated or above average you can do it too!

I'll bite, i'm not very keen on the lingo, but what is DFS? I'm racking my brain here, but can't seem to come up with a cool abbreviation.

Originally Posted by NewShaver

Talk about making a guy feel welcome. This is nice.

Going to have to agree with this statement, just started up about a week ago and have felt more than welcome since my first post

Thank you guys for all your help. I'll deffinately have more questions soon.
Thinking of buying an alum block and some shaving oil when I order more shaving stuff. Seems I'll need it.

After reading the tips on lathering and on shaving techniques in the wiki, in adition to the tips and pointers you guys gave me.

I look forward to a long time on this forum, and I hope in time that I might be able to help out