Thread: Me First Shave

I got all my equipment, Dovo Special, 3" Latigo & Rup strop, Tabac soap, E&J Best brush, nick pen, witch hazel, mineral oil (laxative, which was a good suggestion btw)

Razor: I imagined the blade would be more refined. I could see some file marks up by the spine and the gold foil on the blade was roughly painted on. Neither impacts the actual shave. The scales were very nice. SRD did a good job with the hone. The hanging hair test was harder than I thought, maybe its because I have very soft flexible hair, that bent instead of cutting.

Stropping: It seems to be easier to keep even pressure across the blade with the 2" than the 3". Might be just a matter of breaking it in or not apply enough pressure. I can now see its something that takes practice to apply the pressure for the push & pull strokes. Btw, The Latigo is very nice.

Lathering: I tried a coffee mug and a cereal bowl. The mug was too small for my liking and the bowl was too smooth, feels like I'd benefit from ridges. It was difficult generating lather, but even my poor attempts at lather felt significantly better than the can goo. I'm glad I spent extra on the brush but even it was a little prickly.

Shaving: I didn't have a problem keeping my hand steady and getting over the fear of the blade, but I'm having difficulty with the length of the blade. With my Gillete its 1/4 of the length allowing me to maneuver. For example, starting under the side burns, bring it down, the head edge wants to dig into the cheek towards the lip. On the other side when the head is pointed the other way its easy to cut your ear.

With a small angular face it feels hard to find a place where I can make a clean downward stroke. I'm trying to tell myself not to get frustrated because its my first attempt. The youtube videos make it look easier than when you try it for yourself.

Hello, Peterazor:

Welcome to SRP.

You mention hone and other wear on your Dovo. Is this a new razor or did you buy it used? Also, who honed it?

Whatever you do, don't get frustrated. Take your time. Keep the pressure light, the strokes short. Don't go for BBS yet. Concentrate on technique and preparation.

Also, please go over all the information available at SRP.

You already have started, so that' s a good sign. Now it's a matter of time and concentration before you become proficient in using a straight razor. Good luck.

Regards,
Obie

Peter,

+1 on Obie's advice. When I began str8 razor shaving ieverything seemed awkward at first, but after a few shaves you learn to adapt.

One other thing...Don't attempt a complete shave at first. Start with shaving one side of your face. Then the other side. Then your neck; and finally your chin, etc. The more you use your new str8, the more comfortable you will feel maneuvering it on your face.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

I am a new shaver as well. What helps me keep going is take pride in the small victories. Like, the 1st time you make a great lather, that 1" patach on your cheek that is near BBS, or that you still have your nose and ears when you are done shaving.

Keep it up, every day you will get better. Treasure the small stuff right now....you will look back on them with fond memories.

-Jeremy

Originally Posted by Obie

You mention hone and other wear on your Dovo. Is this a new razor or did you buy it used? Also, who honed it?

New from Straight Razor Design.

Originally Posted by Peterazor

Razor: I imagined the blade would be more refined. I could see some file marks up by the spine and the gold foil on the blade was roughly painted on. Neither impacts the actual shave. The scales were very nice. SRD did a good job with the hone. The hanging hair test was harder than I thought, maybe its because I have very soft flexible hair, that bent instead of cutting.

Lathering: I tried a coffee mug and a cereal bowl. The mug was too small for my liking and the bowl was too smooth, feels like I'd benefit from ridges. It was difficult generating lather, but even my poor attempts at lather felt significantly better than the can goo. I'm glad I spent extra on the brush but even it was a little prickly.

I don't know what the file marks on the blade could be, or the roughly painted etching. Somehow I cannot visualize that, although I am not sure exactly what you mean by file marks and roughly painted etching. I suggest calling SRD and discussing it with the good folks there.

As for the hanging hair test, I put little creed in that. What matters to me is how the razor shaves my Hollywood face.

The Wiki has some excellent information on making lather. In my experience, most new brushes are a touch prickly. Time and use takes care of that, depending on the brush. What is your brush, boar or badger? If a badger, is it pure, best, super or silver tip?

In the meantime, keep shaving and concentrating on lather and razor technique. You'll get there. Also, please post whatever questions you have. We are here to help.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Peterazor

I'm trying to tell myself not to get frustrated because its my first attempt. The youtube videos make it look easier than when you try it for yourself.

Now that's a great attitude! Stick with it and you'll be reaping the benefits shortly. Like these guys are saying, it gets easier and FAR less awkward with every successive attempt. Heck, I love the full blade length on the jawline especially.

BTW, a cappuccino mug is better than a coffee mug for lathering. They're fairly cheap at a Bed and Bath or Walmart type store and work great. Plus, since it won't match, the wife won't put it away with the other kitchen dishes.

Great advise above.

Just take your time in learning and try to set small goal. As in work on getting good lather or concentrating on a good shave on your cheeks first etc... The videos do make it look so easy, but with time you will get an easy shave. When I first started it would take me about 1 hour to shave, not quick by any means. Now I can get a great shave in 20 - 30 minutes.

Take your time and enjoy the journey.


Lu

Update: My 2nd shave

Its hard to believe but I was able to do almost my entire face without cuts WTG. It helped that I have a goatie, so I didn't need to do the chin and upper lip area. The two areas I've got to work on is the adam's apple and the side of neck.

The trick for me was using only part of the blade, shorter strokes, getting a better feel for things. It also helps when there is only a day or two growth. The 1st shave I had more growth and its harder to shave because of the increased resistance.