Thread: My first shave....

So I just finished up my first straight razor shave a few minutes ago. My last shave was about 2-3 days ago. I used and old Straight that belonged to my grandfather, that I resharpened and honed yesterday.

I only used water..no shaving cream or special soap. It went smooth but I could not really go against the grain smoothly...I am wondering if using cream and or soap would make a huge difference in the "smoothness" of the shave?

Actually, I'm surprised you didn't tear yourself up without the use of a good soap or cream...head down to Walmart and get some VDH soap.

The shave is about as close as what I get using a disposable Bic..so not the greatest job...but it was my first attempt. I guess the soap / cream would soften up the hair just abit more enabling me to go against the grain.

You are going to love this site, if you can accomplish what you have thus far with the little you have on hand, you are going to turn pro in no time!

That depends on your honing/stropping skills, too. We have no way of knowing how well you're versed in that area, so I can't comment.

But yes, a high-quality soap or cream will make your shave immensely more enjoyable.

Well as far as Razors are concerned I have very little experience. My main sharpening experience is in Single bevel Japanese knives... Sushi knives. I have a ton of stones (Chosera 400 1k 5k 10k) Naniwa SS 10k 12k and a Naniwa "pure white" 8k. Shapton glass stones 500 1k 2k.

I also have many leather hones (all different grains) but they are not really razor hones...they are basically sharpening stone size, and have a magnetic back. When used they are placed on a magnetic base that holds them in place. I guess I could use tham but will prob pick up a "razor hone" at some point.

I got the razors I have to pass the hanging hair test but I feel there is a level of sharpness that is achievable beyond that. My sushi knives can easily pass the same test but seem to be even sharper than the razors. I dont know if this can be atributed to the fact that the Japanese steel has a finer grain structure (White #1 Blue #2 ect..) or if it's because my sharpening technique has not fully translated to razors.

Either way Im sure this will be another "hobby" that will become more of an obsession than a passing interest.

i would say your gonna have no problems at all once you get a good cream and a brush

You certainly have top quality hones, if fact I'm quite envious! Still, it'd be worth studying the honing section of the Wiki to make sure you know how to adapt your skills to a razor. It is quite different to honing a knife, though it sounds like things went very well.
As OldSchool suggest's, it's worth considering sending it out so you know what they are capable of.

Good soap or cream will make a huge difference. It need not be expensive, but even when they are, they last a long time. A brush is a bit of a requirement with them, but the same rules apply.

Great start!

I have a Dovo Prima Klang on the wat from SRD....would that blade be considered "professionally honed"? If so I can judge by that...when it arrives.

I think razors from SRD are honed by Lynn so you are good. Correct me if I am wrong.