Shaving with a straight razor is something that I have always wanted to do but never gave myself the time to buy one or even go to my barber and get a straight razor shave. There were many reasons for my recent purchase of my good quality Dovo straight razor but I think the main reason was to give myself some me time.
I like the fact that I can get a close shave from a straight razor or that its very therapeutic. I also like the fact that I don't have to buy a razor blade ever again.
My razor finally came in yesterday and I waited until the night time after I put the baby to sleep to take a swing at it. I had done a lot of research on straight razor shaving, watched a lot of videos and I also bought the "World of Straight Razor Shaving" dvd by Lynn Abrams. I felt that I was ready to take the plunge!
I had my favorite music playing in the backround and I prepared everything for my first experience with the straight razor. First I prepared my face by applying hot water then following up with a hot towel on my face. I then proceeded to lather my face with shaving cream. The only reason why I am using shaving cream is because I have several cans that my father gave me and I didn't want them to go to waste. Sooner or later I'll switch to the shaving soap.
Once I finished with lathering my face I grabbed my straight razor, cleaned the oil off and started stropping my blade. I had forgotten the lessons that I learned about how many times to strop so I'm sure that made a difference with the results of my shaving experience.
I took my time doing section by section and I quickly realized that it was harder then I thought. What I mean by harder is that you don't know your face like you think you know it. I lathered up again for my second pass again taking my time but this time going against the grain. When I was done I applied a hot towel on my face which felt great!:)
I did cut my self a few times but I am not discouraged by it. I've learned that all I need is practice. I need to figure out my method but It was a great experience and I can't wait to shave again.