Thread: First Experience

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.

Welcome to SRP lurockski. So you've jumped in with both feet. Blade angle, skin stretching and direction of attack are all things we pick up as we go and improve on. I think when you get a brush and soap you'll find that you'll like it a lot better than the canned stuff. To avoid nicks and cuts read my sig below.

Originally Posted by lurockski

I also like the fact that I don't have to buy a razor blade ever again.

well its kinda true but i would like to see it

Originally Posted by janivar123

well its kinda true but i would like to see it

Exactly...now it's just a different kind of blade...bought 2 last week alone...lol

Your right! It might be my last razor blade but not my last straight razor!

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated. Ive decided to send my DOVO to a pro, and have a go at the cheap one myself. I'll let you know how i get on.

I just went to town on my cheap straight. I used the pyramid honing pattern but this time I hardly put any pressure on the blade (i think i was far to hard on the blade yesterday)

I cut a few hairs on my arm and they fell very easy. Gonna try and have a shave with it tomorrow.

Wish me luck

I was going to tell you to start honing, but I see you've already arrived there.

I think there are only a few simple keys to honing a straight razor.

1) Choosing to use a high grit hone, these aren't knives

2) Learning, and using, a very, very repetitive stroke.

3) Combining Step 1 and 2

4) Developing a system of accurately self-evaluating your progress, such as running the razor over your arm hair.