Just Finished My Second Shave

[BingoBango]

Hey Guys,

For anyone who read my first post, I figured I'd post my second shave just to see how things have changed. Again, I'm not trying to give any advice here. I really just want to give any other newbies a little encouragement for their first few times.

Since last time I've had to buy new gear, and I looked around SRP to figure what to get. I purchased a Dovo 6/8 Best Quality from Straight Razor Designs and the Filly Strop from Ruprazor. Straight Razor Designs suggested that stropping the new razor is optional and I chose not to do it, just in case I messed up the blade. I really enjoyed using the razor, but can't comment on the strop yet since I haven't used it.

I know the experts are gonna hound me about this (and maybe a bunch more) but I broke Lynn's major rule and went through an entire shave with a straight razor this time. I DO NOT recommend doing this. I got a few nicks near my left chin that might have been avoided if I paced myself. In my defense, I was too excited to do anything less.

First, I prepped with a hot towel, then lathered up. I went with the grain down the right sideburn, did the right cheek and right neck with my right hand. That went really easy and there is a HUGE difference between a good, sharp razor and a crummy, dull razor. The sharp razor glides across your face with little to no resistance. You don't need to apply pressure. Many thanks to Jockeys for making that video - he really explained what to expect and how to "actually shave" for lack of a better term.

I went with the grain on my left side with my left hand, as suggested by most folks. It was a little tricky to find the angle in the mirror, but going with the grain with my left hand was much easier than expected. I did my left neck with my left hand, too. I used my right hand to do my upper and lower lip and chin area. I basically copied what Jockeys did in his video with pretty good results, so you might as well watch him do it than hear me explain.

At this point I decided to go against the grain on my whole face because it felt like the beginning of a 5 o'clock shadow and I had no nicks.

After re-lathering, I started on the right neck with my right hand. I found myself using much more of the blade going ATG. I followed up to the right cheek and sideburn. When I moved to the left side I didn't switch hands because the blade felt comfortable in that "backhand" grip. Next time I might use my left hand on my right side ATG so I can use the same grip. When I did my upper lip I went more XTG, from the center out. (I later re-lathered and went ATG by going from corner of the lip towards the center, but that was a lot trickier.)

Going ATG on my chin used a bunch of different angles because the hair grows down the middle and out from the center along the sides. It's here that I got some nicks.

I used my normal post-shave routine, using more of that styptic stuff than I'd like. I gently dabbed the blade on a towel to dry it, and I stored it in my closet outside the bathroom so it isn't in the steamy environment all the time.

Here are the results: My left jawline and the corner where my right jawline meets the sideburn are still a little rough. So are my upper lip and a small section of my neck near my Adam's Apple and to the left. Compared to what I'd get from a Mach 3, it's similar except that I can get my jawline really smooth by buffing. When I rub my face it feels nice and smooth except for those spots. I will admit, I'm pretty critical of my shaves - I don't want to feel stubble even when I push into the skin. Of course, there are a few whiskers here and there, mainly under my chin, on my neck and the very edge on my left sideburn.

Final thoughts: I'm really happy with the results save for the few nicks, and I'm excited to work on the places that need improvement. The 3 nicks are on my left chin area and are about 1/8 - 1/4" in length. They aren't deep and the styptic stuff cleaned them up really quick. In hindsight, I'd say they're from the blade touching at too steep an angle when I went ATG for the sides. (ATG in this area makes my blade nearly vertical and the nicks are in that direction.) I also found out the hard way when to use the heel, middle or toe of the blade for different areas. As for the rough spots, I think going XTG on my jawline should be easiest and clean it up just fine.

I'd definitely like to hear some feedback on what I did right/wrong. What I'd really like to hear are tips for switching hands for different parts, and if you guys have certain areas that are always XTG vs ATG. Also, do any other guys get blind spots from either the scales or you hand being in the way?

Thanks again for everyone's help! The feedback on my last post was awesome!

EDIT: I just want to point out that I bought my razor from Straight Razor Designs and it was honed by Lynn. Based on the other SRP members' posts I knew I would get a well-honed razor that was truly shave ready. For any other newbies, read around and you'll see you can rely on Lynn's honing.