First Shave...Finally

[KingOfBreifne]

I've had all my equipment & products ready to go foe several weeks, but today was the first opportunity I had to do the first straight razor shave.

I came down with H1N1 and was out of town for a bit, so today was finally the day.

I took the wise advice of doing only under the sideburns to start with. Since I am ambidextrous on most things, though, I went ahead and did both sides -- the right side with the right hand and the left side with the left hand.

Things went fine. I had some pretty lengthy stubble -- about four days' worth -- so the razor did catch a bit at first 'til I figured out I would have to put just a bit of downward pressure to cut through the stubble (does that sound right?).

In the end, I had just one minor nick on the right side. Not bad. Next time, I'll try the entirety of both cheeks and see how that goes.

But, I'm on my way!

~ Ryan

[BHChieftain]

I've had all my equipment & products ready to go foe several weeks, but today was the first opportunity I had to do the first straight razor shave.

I came down with H1N1 and was out of town for a bit, so today was finally the day.

I took the wise advice of doing only under the sideburns to start with. Since I am ambidextrous on most things, though, I went ahead and did both sides -- the right side with the right hand and the left side with the left hand.

Things went fine. I had some pretty lengthy stubble -- about four days' worth -- so the razor did catch a bit at first 'til I figured out I would have to put just a bit of downward pressure to cut through the stubble (does that sound right?).

In the end, I had just one minor nick on the right side. Not bad. Next time, I'll try the entirety of both cheeks and see how that goes.

But, I'm on my way!

~ Ryan

Congratulations on surviving your first shave! It only gets better from here. Regarding pressure, you want to avoid that habit. The neat thing about the straight is the length of the beard really does not change the shave, as there is nothing to get "clogged". More likely the issue is the angle-- you'll need to play around with that (no more than 30degrees). Later you'll likely develop some scything action which helps cut the tough parts of your beard.

Check out this section on the wiki,

Shaving passes - Straight Razor Place Wiki


-Chief

[59caddy]

congrats on the first shave. there is a learning curve so do not rush it. it will all come in time and you will get better with each and every shave..good luck

[leadduck]

Congratulations on your first shave! The pressure may not be advisable but if you got away with only one nick, a decent shave and no razor burn (at least none that you mentioned), I'd say you did all right.

From Richmond to Galway, huh? Are you familiar with these guys, at all?

Coyote Run - CELTIC ROCK - Official Website

They're from Willimamsburg and play a unique blend of Celtic and rock. I belive they may be touring in Ireland in the next few months. I try to catch them when I can, but they don't play up here in the North, very much.
(Yes, I know ..... )

[KingOfBreifne]

From Richmond to Galway, huh? Are you familiar with these guys, at all?

Coyote Run - CELTIC ROCK - Official Website

They're from Willimamsburg and play a unique blend of Celtic and rock. I belive they may be touring in Ireland in the next few months. I try to catch them when I can, but they don't play up here in the North, very much.
(Yes, I know ..... )

I think I've heard their name. I'm more of an Irish traditional music fan / musician. They look a bit more Scottish, perhaps? And certainly more contemporary. But I can appreciate all good Celtic sounds.

[KingOfBreifne]

And when I say "pressure," I don't mean toward the skin. I mean downward toward the bottom of my face. I kept a fairly steep angle...I'd say 30 degrees if not LESS.