Thread: First shave with a SR

Alembic and Pabster,
Your thoughts and good wishes are both very much appreciated. I do now understand that this is an art and not a simple mechanical process. I have the simple part with the DE. I am also not afraid to use that to clean up the mess I make with the SR. I do take my time when shaving with the SR, day two taught me that. I just realized today that I changed brands on the second. Wondering if that makes a difference. Your thoughts are welcome. Cheers.

Randy

Welcome to real shaving. I am glad that you guys have had such success with your first few shaves, you have started on a good path. The fun has just begun! Three years in and I am still learning new techniques and enjoying every shave as much as the last!

Hopefully, this will make everyone laugh about my start in Straight Shaving.

Wanted to try it, but didn't want to spend the money. Bought a Diane 21 and 15 disposable blades. Day 1 I shaved my whole face which took about 50 minutes and with my face all red, I told the Mrs. check out this shave, its so smooth!. She laughed at the time it took and my red face. I also a few weepers that I was caring for. It wasn't a pretty site. But my enthusiasm was there. I was a bit clueless, but had the heart to push forward. Two shaves later, I thought, this $5 boar brush seems cheap and perhaps I need some shaving soap specific to straight shaving. Bought Col. Conk soap and a Vulfix super badger brush and life got better straight shaving.

I used my Mach 3 to clean up each shave as I wasn't proficient for many more shaves. I finally found SRP and felt the confidence that I was in the process of becoming a proficient shaver. The Mach 3 was getting used less and less and before I knew it, I recognized it as a sub standard shaver. Step 2 was to get a fixed straight and strop and learn how to shave with that and maintain it properly. Since I knew how to straight shave and what a sharp blade felt like, it helped me get on top of maintaning my straight razor quickly.

Looking back, I laugh at my learning and development knowing that I didn't get off to the best start, but if I could pull it off, so can everyone else.

I hope this gives everyone a boost in keeping with the learning of straight shaving. If I could pull it off with a "rough" start, I think anyone can. Just think if this as an 4-8 week development project.

Your face doesn't need a speedy shave, just a high quality shave.

Good Luck,

Pabster

Hello, Chajka,

Part of the joy of shaving with a straight razor is the journey to the point of comfort. Yet one never stops learning the art and craft of the straight razor. That's how it should be: an endless spectrum of possibilities.

Enjoy.

Regards,

Obie

Just an update for all who care to know. The shaving is getting so much easier! Now when shaving with the grain I have no real issues. Still taking my time and trying to get that skin stretched and get it close. Amazing the faces I make! Now I've got to get better at the against the grain stroke. Still working on that one. I am having a good time taking my time and making myself slow down and enjoy the ritual. Cheers to all!

Randy