Thread: Just Got Straight Razor for Present

Welcome to a great sport!

Read this and this posts from Lynn first.

Good luck.

Welcome and your gonna enjoy straight razors. I made and continue to make mistakes so just approch it like a craft "form follows funtion" you will get all you need on the SRP. my first problems were it mustbe honed properly, razor stroping and razor care as in make sure you dry it well and put a little mineral oil on it once its dry to protect from rust/oxidation on the edge.
Good Luck

Originally Posted by Rordan

Should I have a couple days growth for my first shave? Or is less better?

less is better. don't go atg please. be patient

Glad to have you here at SRP. Everyone's face and beard is different. I achieve a good shave if I shave daily, but a slightly better shave after a day or so of rest. To echo what's already been said, read the Wiki before starting.

I'll add, that if you're unsure about the movements your hand needs to make for stropping, practice with a popsicle stick on cardboard to get the basic movements down before risking your razor. You an also do that to learn shaving some of the more difficult areas of your face to avoid nicks.

Should I have a couple days growth for my first shave? Or is less better?

I don't think it matters much if you have one day's growth or two but I would definately get Lynn Abram's dvd and/or check out tutorials on youtube. I've been at it forf over 2 1/2 yrs and I started with just my cheeks and sideburns, with the grain, for a few weeks. You need to give yourself time to shaving in a completely different way.

Welcome to the manly world of straight razor shaving!

Rich

“If man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.” – Mark Twain

I would have several days growth, its a little softer when its longer. You will be better off cutting hair than stubble, and as hi_bud_gl stated do not attempt an against the grain. Best of luck and welcome!