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I took the plunge yesterday morning. Used the Dovo Best that I purchsed from SRD. I have to say that standing there with the naked blade against my skin was a tad intimidating. I have a healthy respect for the sharpness of the blade and I took my time. I am happy to report that I did not cut myself. That may have been beginner's luck. I can't say the shave was all that great but I cleaned it up with the DE. Going in for shave number two today. Hope everyone enjoys the journey!
Just did my first with about the same results. I have an area around my goatee that is kind of tricky to get. I guess practice makes perfect.
Dan
I also have a goatee and I know exactly what you mean. I have to say that day two did not go as well as day one. The neck area was surprisingly better but I let the razor skip on my right cheek and the result looked impressive, tho it really is not much of a cut. I totally agree with you that practice makes perfect. I did some things better today and some worse. Guess that's how it will be for awhile. Cheers.
It will get better with time and before you know it you will be wisping that goatee right off.
Thanks for the reply Raghur but if I do clean off the goatee I'll just grow it back because my wife likes it. I'll just have to figure out how to trim around it. Cheers!
Welcome to Straight Shaving. You are off to great start and continue to build upon your success. It does take time to get better with the Straight Razor and you are on your way.
Good Face Prep, good shaving soaps, decent brush, and fine tuning the straight razor to your shaving preference, and discovering the shaving techniques are part of the journey to getting that awesome shave.
Looking back, it was a lot of fun for me to learn this and I hope it is for you.
Pabster
I am new here and to SRS as well. I have been digging and digging here and posted these things that have really made a difference for me.
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For my fellow newbies, here are the tips I picked up from our brothers in SRS that have made all the difference. I thank them in advance.
1. Fold a piece of paper until it is 1" wide. Hold it so 4" is sticking out of your hand and practice stropping until the paper no longer bends. This programs your stropping pressure. This advice is invaluable for learning to strop. If you can't get a shavable edge, nothing else will matter.
2. Soak your brush in hot water while showering and add some hot water to your mug to soften your soap. This makes all the difference in getting a good thick lather.
3. Soak a wash cloth in hot water while taking your shower and hold it to your face for several minutes. I apply some light olive oil to my face prior to applying the cloth.
4. Stretch that skin and take your time. This is not a race you can win. An extremely sharp piece of steel is in charge and will win every time.
5. Don't be afraid to change your grip on the razor to pull off the pass you are making.
6. Keep your tools clean and sharp - all of them.
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