Cut the CR@P out of myself...(my first time)

Hello everyone in T.V. land! i am brand new the str8 shaving thing and i got my new dovo 5/8 in the mail this morning so of course, i had to try it. first i want to congratulate Lynn. i did not know what sharp really was until i held a razor that had been honed by him. we are talking spooky sharp. you guys know about that i guess. long story short, i had a good experience with my first shave. even counting ALL the nicks and cuts. when it was all over, my face was raw and swollen, bleeding, and i had to finish with my mach 3.
now for the positive.
the areas that i did not screw up were amazing. i have never had a shave that close. i tried it out on the back of my arm and that was so smooth i could not believe it. the mach 3 does not even compare as far a closeness is concerned, and i know that when i finally get the angle right, comfort will be a no contest as well. i was able to do most of my face and most of my head. i have been shaving my head for years now, and i am actually better at that then i am my face. i cut my face with my mach 3 anyway so no big deal.

later, i mentally reviewed my experience, and watched some great tutorial videos here. i am not one of those guys that jumps into something head first, then says "STUPID RAZOR!" when the errors are obviously mine. i am well aware that practice and time are the only real things i need, other than good info and feedback, which i can get at these forums very easily.
also, it is kind of cool when you tell people that you use a straight razor, and their eyes get big...

i just know that once i get this down, i am going to be hooked. thanks to everyone here-this is a great community and you all have made this newbie feel at home.
-Mike-:tameshigiri:

Glad you enjoyed it, but be firm with yourself & take things slower!
Give yourself time to heal. That's important. Once that's happened, just shave the flat bit from your ear down. Progress from there.
Can't believe you're still in such high spirits! Welcome along.

Congrats. I think you could put most beginner's name at the bottom of your post and a first shave looks about the same:D

On the other hand, those that stick with it become seniot posters, mentors and spreaders of the art.

You have the right attitude. I know you're going to love it.

Post a lot. There is lots of help available for you here.

David

Hello, Micaelh:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

The nicks are inherent in the initial phases of straight razor shaving, and occasionally later. Have patience and concentrate on your skill. You'll get there.

Regards,
Obie

Micaelh,

+1 on the words of encouragement offered in the previous posts. Some razor burn and nicks/cuts are part of the rite of initiation for any new str8 razor shaver. Your face will have to adjust to the new traditional shaving technology you are now using on your face and beard.

As stated previously, thoroughly prep your face for the shave. Then go slow, shaving only one portion of your face at a time unitl you can shave your entire face. Apply light pressure to the blade as you shave WTG, and don't rest or hold the razor against your face while it is not moving. That's a sure-fire way to cut yourself. Keep the blade of your razor moving, even its only a light stroke that doesn't remove much beard. You can always relather and shave that area again. Over time you will get the hang of it, so that you don't have to reshave so many areas of your face.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Congrats on breaking the ice Mike. IME the key to avoiding cuts and nicks is contained in my sig below and in stretching the skin. Not pulling it drum tight but taut. Snugging it up. Never force the razor if it doesn't want to go. Pick the edge up, get a new stretch and gently start again making sure the blade angle is correct and the skin lubricated with lather. Took me two or three weeks to get past finishing the more difficult areas with my DE but once beyond that the shaves began to get better and better. Keep at it and you'll be a pro in no time. :tu

Hi Michaelh,

I'm probably about 130 shaves in, so am still learning this art. It was probably around the 70 shaves mark that i began to really get to grips with it, and i would bet that there is'nt one person in this community who has not cut themselves at one point or another.

Keep the faith

Joe

Hi, as others have said, keep persisting, the better shaves will come. Assuming your blade is shave ready, razor burn comes from applying too much pressure and forcing the blade. Lighten up on the pressure, it will become more comfortable. Then, if you are not cutting enough hair, start looking at technique - blade angle, stretching, etc. On no account should you move the blade sideways, that's how you get cuts.

This is one hobby you have to literally bleed for. Welcome to a great place.

Hi Michaelh,
Congrats on your first full shave!
Sounds like you didn't stop after doing your sideburn areas -very unwise!!
Stick to simple areas at first-I know it takes alot of self control,you feel inexplicably drawn to doing the rest of your face (I know cos I did the same!)-but the result will always be the same for the first 10/15 shaves until you get the "feel" of the razor-mainly cuts and nicks as you have discovered.
As other members have said -take it slow for these first shaves-your face is unique to you so take time to get to know the contours of it and how to shave them.The nicks and cuts gradually diminish and by the time you get to around 40/50 shaves they will become rare.
In the mean time allow your skin to heal.If you shave over a cut it will open up again,so give it 24 hours or so but continue to apply a good after shave balm to your skin especially on the damaged areas.
Use a D/E while you heal-somehow it does'nt open the cuts up like the straight does.
I think you will stick with it so I don't need to remind you.
Here's to many more shaves & may they be smooooth!!
Kind regards
Noggs :)

I know what you mean about the sharpness. My Dovo 6/8 from SRD was very sharp when it arrived too. I nicked myself a few times as well. I have trouble with the chin and under the nose areas usually.