Thread: First Straight Razor Shave - WOW!

Well, I finally got all my things together ready for my first straight razor shave.. I showered, prepared my face with the preshave oil, made an adequate lather, and lathered up my face.

I was actually shaking a bit when I brought my new straight razor to my face.. I bought a nice straight razor from Bob Keyes, one of SRP's members, he helped me find the right strop and helped me with the correct razor as well. I recieved it "shave ready" and man it looked great.. Its a restored London Cutlery 5/8.. with black scales... He does great work...as many of you do....He has been very generous with his time and knowledge...

I shaved my right cheek and sideburns first..only one spot of blood, from an old scar on the right side of my face... I'll be more carefull with that area next time. I brought out my styptic pen from conk's and continued. I shaved close to my mustache and down to my chin... Thanks to Lynn's DVD or I'd have never figured out how to hold the razor in those sometimes awkward positions..

Then I shifted to my left hand and repeated the process on the left side.. somewhat less smoothly then the right but every bit as close.. I was totally surprised.. I had let my beard grow for a couple or 3 days and was expecting a little pulling or tugging and discomfort as always. The right side of my face hurts all the time anyway from previous surgery and its hard for me to shave by any method. I have a facial neuropathy from cancer surgery.. I can't stand touching the right side of my face much.. So shaving is kind of an event. I'd grow a full beard but just don't have the hair growth for it. So I always wince when I shave. But for me.. the very light touch that is needed with a straight razor makes shaving 10 times easier than with any other method!

I felt I did great on my face so I continued to shave my neck on both sides as per Lynn's DVD and other instruction written and recieved from all of you! I have to say I got a real nice shave first time! What a thrill!!

I made a feeble attempt at XTG or ATG, but I just couldn't get the positon of the blade right and decided to quit while I was ahead... I'll get back to the DVD and website videos and written instruction to try and figure that part out again sometime later...for now I am totally happy and can't wait to try it again.. probably in a couple of days because my face is smoooootheee.....

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice... you've all been great..

Maq