Blocked vision

I might be attempting my first str8 shave later this weekend (depends on time, place to hang strop, etc.) with my 5/8 dovo. I got it in the mail earlier this week with the rest of the kit.

When I held the str8 for the first time in front of the mirror as if I was going to shave (just getting a feel for it) it seems like my hand, the scales, and part of the blade really block my vision compared to shaving with my Gillette Sensor (I've always preferred two blades to four or five so I figure going to one will be even better :)).

I'm not overly worried since I know it's just part of the learning curve, but I'm wondering if anyone else felt like they were practially shaving blind that first time...

I turn my head, stretch above my sideburn with my opposite arm like all the videos show, and it still seems like I can only see half the blade and really can't tell what angle it's at.

Am I supposed to be able to tell the angle just by looking at it, or more by feel?

Any advice on "vision" while shaving would be appreciated. I'm still going to try this whether I'm comfortable or not--but I will be doing just the sideburn and possibly cheek on my dominant side. Hoping to avoid the dragging, skipping, etc. that so many others describe that first shave.

-Stub

Welcome to SRP.

It is one of those things that you will figure out while learning. Everyone's faces are different. A lot of people use both hands when shaving in order not to block their view.

when you start (read Lynn's sticky first) just shave small spots that you see and find easy. For example below your sideburn. Finnish the shave with the shaving tool that you usually use.

There are a lot of good info about how to shave in the Wiki. There is a learning curve, so don't be afraid to ask. We are all here to help, and all of us have been new to this sometime.

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Originally Posted by Stubbles

I might be attempting my first str8 shave later this weekend (depends on time, place to hang strop, etc.) with my 5/8 dovo. I got it in the mail earlier this week with the rest of the kit.

When I held the str8 for the first time in front of the mirror as if I was going to shave (just getting a feel for it) it seems like my hand, the scales, and part of the blade really block my vision compared to shaving with my Gillette Sensor (I've always preferred two blades to four or five so I figure going to one will be even better :)).

I'm not overly worried since I know it's just part of the learning curve, but I'm wondering if anyone else felt like they were practially shaving blind that first time...

I turn my head, stretch above my sideburn with my opposite arm like all the videos show, and it still seems like I can only see half the blade and really can't tell what angle it's at.

Am I supposed to be able to tell the angle just by looking at it, or more by feel?

Any advice on "vision" while shaving would be appreciated. I'm still going to try this whether I'm comfortable or not--but I will be doing just the sideburn and possibly cheek on my dominant side. Hoping to avoid the dragging, skipping, etc. that so many others describe that first shave.

-Stub

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I feel it :p and now struggling to maneuver the blade using the left hand since crossing your right hand with the blade to shave the left side of the face give me lot of trouble :) do whatever works best with you, don't worry you're not alone :beer2:

Stub,

Yep...I had the same feeling of shaving blind the first time I held a str8 razor up in the mirror in preparation for my first shave on December 26, 2009.

I found that one way around it was to learn to turn the side of your face you are shaving as welll as your eyes towards the mirror and rely on your peripheral vision--something you don't have to do with a safety razor. At first it felt really awkward, but now its second nature for me. Go very slowly and carefully as you begin shaving ATG on the side of your face. You can always go back and reshave or touchup that side of your face later.

I hope this advice helps.

Hello, Stubs:

Read Lynn's tips, as Otto suggests. Jhenry's suggestion to use your peripheral vision is sound advice as well.

To focus on the optics of your shave, I suggest practicing with a pair of dull butter knives taped together to resemble an open razor on your face.

Also, I suggest training yourself to use both hands to eliminate many of the blind spots.

Shave the easiest parts first: that's a good way to practice. Little by little expand your field and work on the harder parts. Either way, keep the pressure light, the angle versatile, and take your time. You'll be a pro before you know it.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP! Depending on where you purchased your razor from and that this is your first straight razor shave I would suggest not stropping your razor for the first, if not first several shaves. Many newbies damage the edge during stropping by rolling the edge. Maybe practice stropping with a butter knife before actually stropping the razor. If you purchased your razor 'shave ready' it will not need to be stropped for the first shave and since you are new to this sport you will get a better shave from an un-stropped razor for the first few shaves than you will from a razor where the edge was damaged on the strop.

I had the same 'vision' problem when I started. As suggested in the beginner's post just shave your sideburns and cheeks for the first several shaves to get used to the feel, holds and angles. Finish your shave with your current razor that you have been using. Try moving around till you can get the best view before actually shaving any particular area. Be sure to do a good pre-shave prep.

Good luck!

Im thinking its time to purchase a womans vanity mirror, with the side panels that fold on each side.

Then again, the multiple planes of existence could get confusing...

Just like everyone else has said so far, you're just gonna have to play around with the angle until you find the best way to see your face. One thing I notice is that tilting my head helps. Also, as you get better you'll be able to sort of "tune out" the other parts of the razor and just worry about the edge and your whiskers.

You mentioned "vision" so I have to ask: Do you wear glasses? If you do, I would suggest pulling your skin from UNDER the temples of the glasses. Or if you can get away with it, just take them off.

Talk about shaving blind,,, i am legally blind in my left eye. It's not a complete blank,,about like normal visions "side" vision..

The str8 is a completely different hold than our old razors. It is a coordination thing that develops with practice. the more time we put in, the easier it gets. My vision problem has caused me to nick my left ear several times. I'm getting much better though as i've not nicked it in a few weeks now.

I have found that the hold and movement is becoming much easier,,more or less a routine that is easier to duplicate with time.

I found this site back in February and find it very valuable. I've not been able to come up with much that could not be answered here. This site is a great reference/learning tool.

as the others have said Welcome,

Live long and prosper!

Kirk

i had the same trouble starting out and mad as it sounds turned it into my method of shaving 90% of my shave i do without the aid of a mirror at all a % that i hope to improve on as my skill inproves with a disposable razor i can do the full job with my eyes closed might not be a methodology for every one but i find it helps and lets me focus all my mind without stairing at the pritty razor in the mirror and getting distracted

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Originally Posted by Obie

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Also, I suggest training yourself to use both hands to eliminate many of the blind spots.

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IMO, there has been lots of great advice in this thread, this is the one that sticks out the most to me. Notice how he said many of the blind spots, I dont think we can ever get rid of all of them as much as we learn how to work around them.

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Originally Posted by Jasongreat

IMO, there has been lots of great advice in this thread, this is the one that sticks out the most to me. Notice how he said many of the blind spots, I dont think we can ever get rid of all of them as much as we learn how to work around them.

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My dear Jasongreat:

Thank you for your thoughts.

Yes, right you are, for we can only eliminate many of the blind spots, but not all of them. After all, we deal with the physical obstacles the human face presents, plus the limited dexterity of the hands and, finally, the restrictions a deadly sharp blade poses. Working around the blind spots, therefore, as you correctly note, becomes another element in honing our skill with the straight razor.

Regards,
Obie

Regards,
Obie

That's why you have these projections on your face like your ears and nose and lips. They act as bumpers for your razor (and collateral damage too).

After a while you will realize most straight shaving is really done by feel anyway. Just go slow at first. As I recall I used to use my finger as a guide in various areas where I couldn't see. Just make sure you put your finger north of the blade not south.