Thread: I humbly submit for your review... (First Shave)

...this request for membership:

As i sit here enjoying a tall stacked turkey sandwich and my victory drink of whiskey/soda, I am please to announce: I have finished the intiation rite, my task is complete. I have accomplished my first shave. I never knew performing such a "common" task could be quite so soothing to the beast.

I recieved my razor and strop kit from LarryAndro today and as soon as i had it in my hand, I was headed toward the shower. The entire time i "studied" in my head over everything i had read and learned from my research into how to conduct a proper shave.

Once out, immediately went to the sink to get started.

I had a bit of a time getting a passable lather up. I expected as much and spent a good 10 mins or more sorting out the mechanics and chemistry and physics of the whole ordeal. I was finally able to conjure up a decent amount of the white froth to convince myself i was ready to proceed and swiped and swirl it around my face.

The next 5-10 mins were spent flipping my face back and forth, up and down, stretching my skin this way and that, lifting the razor, turning it, bringing it back down to change grips and so on and so forth. But finally, i made that first nerve racking tenative stroke.

A dull scrape... A slight resistance... a little tugging at each hair... and lift away.

Ok, lets see... No blood, good... All the skin where it started, good... A little less/shorter hair, good... Alright, not bad, a nice 1/32 square of face done with out death or dismemberment. On to the next.

And so i proceeded, nevous at first, but gradually gaining a sense of relaxation. I came to realize, barring an elaborate series of unfortunate events, i was not going to accidentally end my own life.

As i neared the end of my second full face WTG pass (I know, i cheated, couldn't help myself) I thought about watching my grandfather shave with a straight and felt the pride of knowing i was taking part in the same experience. I had to stop bc i was grinning from ear to ear.

I finished with no nicks whatsoever, although i can feel a bit of irritation starting (my own fault for the second pass on my first shave, but i'm ok with that). Also, i got a bit carried away and my signature chops are quite a bit smaller than when i started.

End result: A shave on par or better with a Mach 3 in quality and leaps and bounds ahead in enjoyability and relaxation, a slight razor burn, and a great sense of accomplishment and pride.

And so as i join the "club" with my first self inflicted REAL shave, i would like to say:

"Hi, my name is Josh... And i'm officially addicted to straight razor shaving."

Welcome home Josh!

congrats on the shave! only gets better from here.

Congratulations!...I now bestow upon you the title of MAN.

Your first couple months are going to be fun since every shave is going to be better than the last.

Congratulations Josh!! What a thrill..Keep doing the same thing.. Give your face a rest so you don't start shaving off those irritated areas.. don't let added confidence add too much speed or any pressure... Great job!! I'm only a couple shaves ahead of you!! Maq

Congratulations! The shaves only get better but remain patient and don't rush your techinque. Straight shaving is a journey, not a race.

thanks guys, don't worry i won't start rushing. Going slow and just enjoying it was half the experience.

Originally Posted by deevoproject

...The next 5-10 mins were spent flipping my face back and forth, up and down, stretching my skin this way and that, lifting the razor, turning it, bringing it back down to change grips and so on and so forth. But finally, i made that first nerve racking tenative stroke.

...and felt the pride of knowing i was taking part in the same experience. I had to stop bc i was grinning from ear to ear.

it's as if you were standing there for my first shave, and yes I got addicted my very first shave too.

Welcome to the community!

Josh,

Just a few shaves ahead of you and a newbie here also.

Had my 4th proper straight shave yesterday, and yes it is very addictive and the addiction only gets stronger (well my experience anyway).

Welcome to SRP.

Stuart.

thanks for the welcome and compliments guys.

Real quick question, where is the proper place on here to make a review thread for a classified seller? LarryAndro was so great with the price, service, communication, EVERYTHING, i just don't think it would be right for me NOT to write him a review and hopefully send a few other newbie (or experienced guys looking for a no-frills workhorse shaver) his way.