First Shave thoughts

I did my first shave last evening. Did the usual prep. I shave in the shower so I washed my face with wash cloth, rubbed in the oil, lathered up and off to shave I went.
Took longer than I thought since I went very slow. No nicks at all. Some things I noticed were that if you don't maintain the correct angle, the blade does not glide, it pulls. When the angle is correct, it does not even feel like your shaving. It was easier for me to shave my neck ATG(from the bottom of my neck to my chin). I don't know if that is normal but I've been shaving that way for many years and the razor seemed to glide instead of pull because I was able to get the best angle.
I can see the Art is knowing your face and the best way to get the blade on your skin at the proper angle.

So, now I have to buy a strop and I think I am going to send the razor ou for honing before I use it again. I want to be sure the blade is as sharp as it can be.

Oh yea, wife said it was the closest shave I've ever done for myself!! So, if the warden is happy...EVERYONE is happy!!:)

Congrats! It sounds like you are making excellent progress!

Before you go any further, get yourself a strop. Places like RupRazor sell high quality beginners strops that you can learn on. Make sure you do a good amount of stropping as well, as this really is key to keeping your razor in good condition.

Just as an idea, I do 25 material and 50-60 leather before each shave and then 10 material and 15 leather afterwards. The stropping afterwards cleans all the micro gunk off the edges and makes sure the edge is dry.

It sounds like your razor is shaving well? If so, you probably dont need to have it honed. Where did you order it from? If it came from a reputable vendor as "shave ready" then you will not need to have it honed again now.

You only need to have it honed if its pulling or not removing hair.

As you have noted, the angles are key! Get 'em wrong and the shave goes downhill. You'll get more of a feel for this as you use your razor more.

Another good tip is to map your beard by feeling which way the hair grows on different bits of your face. Then just pull the skin the other way to get the hairs to stand up. Simples! :D

It sounds like you are off to a great start! Well done! Just be sure to get yourself a strop. Your razor and face will thank you for it..!

Good luck!

Very impressive. It's rare we get someone new, like you, that actually grasps all that right off that bat, very, very nice....Your going to like it here....If you need help, which I doubt, or want some vendor info, drop me a PM. I'll be glad to help you...

Rich

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Originally Posted by zib

Very impressive. It's rare we get someone new, like you, that actually grasps all that right off that bat, very, very nice....Your going to like it here....If you need help, which I doubt, or want some vendor info, drop me a PM. I'll be glad to help you...

Rich

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I won't count my chickens before the hatch. Could be either dumb or beginners luck. I'll give the old face a break tonight and try again tomorrow. So far So good.

I have question maybe someone can answer. Can one still use their disposable at time? Will it effect the straight razor shave? I travel and cannot take the straight razor on the airplane unless I check ny bag.

I don't see why not. I know many guys here travel with their gear, but I don't. To be honest, I bring an electric, it's just easier, one thing to pack. Some guys have said,they've cut themselves terribly when they went back to a safety or disposable razor. Honestly, I don't think you'll have a problem. They are designed to be fool proof. They just dont' give you a very close shave, that's all. We get spoiled from the str8's