Thread: First shave lost battle won war.

So I opened up my first shavable razor yesterday, a Boker king cutter from SRD.
I practiced a bit on my sideburns and decided I should save the rest for today.

I thought I would try something new today. I put really warm water about ... 3 tablespoons on my cake of soap in the soap dish.
Also steaming water in the mug was placed for the first time, under the dish.
I thought this would keep it piping hot while I showered.

Well when I went to shave about half the cake had melted...whoops.
I thought I wouldn't need to add any soap to the brush, so I removed the cake and then tried to make a lather.

The lather developed and I put it on my mug. Well after a while I noticed that the lather was drying much faster then usual and was drying out.
It was not helping the shave.

Regardless I forged ahead and shaved my whole face, chin included.
I finished with nice scented Nivea aftershave balm.

All in all very pleased with the first time results, other than loss of half my soap and about a one inch vertical slice on the side of my chin (hence lost battle).

I then stropped the razor, which seemed to be easy enough. I think I may have it mounted to high, about 2 inches under my shoulder height.
You can definitely hear when you do an uneven stroke...time should fix that.

Thanks for reading.
Have a good one.

PanStan

Good job!

I have two small notes that I hope help you out:

1- Soak your brush in hot water, then rub it on the soap cake, then make the lather in a separate bowl. I usually rub a wet brush over the soap for a few seconds until the brush ends are caked pretty well and it gives me two passes and enough left over for touching up spots.

2- Make the angle shallower on your chin. I had problems with a steep angle when I first did my chin and got a few vertical cuts like you describe. I also start my chin strokes more towards the sides where it's flat. I find it easier to lay the blade at the correct angle there and then let the edge "feel the curve" if that makes sense.

HTH! Good luck on your next shave!

I have my strop mounted at about 2" above waist high...belt high for me is a bit low, and anything above halfway up the chest is too high...but of course, YMMV.

Remember, all things in straight shaving have to be tight - keep your strop tight, skin tight, and pins tight!

Good job, and keep it up!

Mark

Good for you. Now you are hooked. Aint this funn!!

Just wanted to say congratulations on your first shave from another beginner!! Way to go!! Maq