Thread: First shave - I’ll give myself a C+

Hey folks... I posted a few months back and got some great info and advice.
I went ahead and got the SRD Dovo Best 5/8 & strop set....

I had been experimenting with different creams, soaps and oils - as well as trying different disposable shavers just to mess around and try different things leading up to today’s first shave with a straight.

I am somewhat of a utilitarian - some folks get a charge out of having a vast array of soaps, creams, brushes, after shave etc.... Personally, I get the same charge out of having a clean, uncluttered bathroom with the ONE set of stuff that works for me... I’m just not much of a collector, I guess...

Anyway, here’s my routine:
Beard Prep:
a hot shower + Truefitt & Hill pre-shave oil + John Allan Shave cream
After Shave:
an alum block + John Allan Face shave balm

For the 1st attempt, I just went with trying the sideburn area with the Dovo, finishing up the rest with the Mach 3. I also went back and made a few strokes with the dovo on my neck just to see what it was like...

Well - no serious wounds for the first time out, but it was NOT smooth at all... I usually shave every other day.... my current job situation enables me to be “scrufty” every other day, and I find that this gives my face a break from everyday shaving....
Before this morning’s attempt, I actually hadn’t shaved for 2 days.... so that may have presented less-than-optimal conditions....

Got a few nicks, but nothing serious... I would imagine that I need to improve my lathering skills and probably get a better brush (I’m using a 5 dollar jobbie from walgreens...)

Overall, I remain ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED to conquer this - especially after somebody on this forum told me that shaving with a straight probably wouldn’t work for me... My uncle, who fought on a destroyer in the pacific during WWII, used to tell me about a cook who always had a perfectly close shave. When the guys asked him his secret, he showed them his wickedly sharp KA-BAR. They, of course, thought he was joking... so the next morning he demonstrated - 1 sink of hot water - 1 bar of ivory soap - 1 KA-BAR - 1 washcloth + 10 minutes = not a single nick and one close shave....

Now maybe that guy was some kind of exception... but if he can do it, so can I....

So..... any input is welcome....

Johnny,

You're being too hard on yourself. If you lived to write about it, you deserve an A...

Even though many SRP members shave with a str8, we grade on a curve.

Hello, Johnny:

I concur with my friend jhenry on your progress. One step at a time. Keep the razor as light as a feather and use the blade's pressure. Now and then you might catch yourself squeezing life out of the razor by gripping it too hard. Ease up a little. A firm but relaxed hand and grip do the trick. Stay with it; you're doing just fine.

Regrds,
Obie

I'm with jhenry and Obie here, just take your time and you'll get there! Its not a race and we all learn at different rates.

It sounds to me like you're on the right track and theres nothing wrong with your technique, it just does take a little time to get this sport down!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Now you've gotten me curious about using KA-BAR's and other utility knives to shave. Has anyone on this forum ever tried that?

Congratulations on your first shave.. As others have said.. you seem too hard on yourself.

The shaves just get better and better with practice..and as your confidence builds you'll start shaving larger areas of your face and neck with ease. Now I'm sure it seems overwhelming but that sensation goes away and it feels like shaving any other method accept your shave is closer and your skin itself smoother as you exfoliate the dead skin that often rest on top..

My wife uses an exfoliant on her face and has participated in some pretty expensive treatments at spas and resorts. It would be cheaper to teach her to shave but I'm sure she won't go for that. Anyway, it won't be long before you are experiencing BBS shaves.

Keep reading, asking questions and practicing. Like has been said before. when your confidence gets greater.. don't add greater pressure to the blade.

have a great day..

Maq

Yeah, To see if I would enjoy using the straight, I sharpened up my spyderco enduro plain edge,
After getting it hair poping sharp and stroped up I shaved one side of my face with a new twin blade razor and the other side with the spyderco.
To my amazment the knife side was smoother and closer than the razor side.
It was like shaving with a wedge razor, just mowed the hairs down.
Went to a straight and have enjoyed it every since.

Knife was sharpened on a spyderco sharp maker using the med, fine & ultra fine stones then stroped on leather.

Silver2

I Still Dont have my angles right for my neck, But i keep trying because Of how good the rest of my face feels! I get the SBB shave there! Keep trying, it takes time!

Originally Posted by MadWolf

I Still Dont have my angles right for my neck, But i keep trying because Of how good the rest of my face feels! I get the SBB shave there! Keep trying, it takes time!

Hello, MadWolf:

Congratulations. Of course, straight razor shaving takes time, but it is worth every moment. Keep trying. Be methodical about. Work on the angles. Keep the pressure light. I suggest not to concentrate so much on BBS right now; rather, keep your focus on honing your skills and BBS will happen as you get better. Also, preparation is important, so concentrate on that in addition to straight razor skills. Well done, sir.

Regards,
Obie

You are getting great advice on your mental state following your shaves. Right now, the quality of shave is not what counts. Remember that success comes in many forms with straight razor shaving. Just work on the blade angles, your razor angles and understanding YOUR beard growth direction. I can't overemphasize that last point enough. You need to know the direction of your beard growth and it is different for everyone.

Also, someone gave me this tip. You are not trying to Remove beard with the pass. You are trying to Reduce beard. That means use multiple passes, no pressure and just have the goal of reducing the length of the wisker a little more on each pass. This takes time - a lot of time. But the results will eventually be a great close shave, no blood, no razor burn and no stinging with the alum block. For me, that is 4 passes because of the crazy directions my beard grows.

If you try and make a pass with the goal of the skin looking like a pass was made with an M3, you are going to hurt and frustrate yourself.

Keep at it - you will be amazed and your self respect will grow immeasurably.


Cheers!
David