Cut my face open :(

Hello guys,

So, I had my first open shave ever, with a cheap shavette but with decent blades (from a Dutch shop, I have read somewhere on here they are good) from HEMA.

So, I was quite scared! Made good lather with soap from the Vergulde Hand (Dutch brand) and yes, I had a shower before. The left side of my face went good, but I did the right side of my face with my right hand to. And so it went wrong. And now I have like 4 cuts, 2 of them inch long each. 4 red stripes on the right side of my face, and 3 smaller cuts. I suppose I have to do the right side of my face with my left hand?

My left hand isnt very precise...
So. That was it. My first experience!
Hope that the next time will go better.
Maybe I should buy something like this?
http://leisureguy.files.wordpress.co...er-speed-2.JPG

Are models like that cheap? I am not looking forward to spend lots of money on it, so...


BTW EVERYONE thinks I am crazy, shaving with these 'old style razors' while cartridge razors are just as good. (I DO believe that btw, I believe that cartridge razors can give you just as good of a shave as DE or open razors)



Matthijs

i don't think so it's a hole other technic.
i've cut myself some times bad when I was starting out. just a "real" straight is a bit more forgiving but still. just keep in mind to take you're time and relax.
and never put the razor on straight(+-90°) on your skin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Matthijs

cartridge razors are just as good. (I DO believe that btw, I believe that cartridge razors can give you just as good of a shave as DE or open razors)

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BEGONE FROM HERE! :D

DE's are a good transition between cartridges & straights, though I find myself more likely to get a nick from one than from a straight these days. Shavettes can be quite aggressive AFAIK.

Get one & try it. It might be useful while you concentrate on learning about prep & lather building.

When you have a straight mastered, I think you'll look back on your last comment there with a smile.

Ouch! Sorry to hear that! I'm a complete str8 noob, but I can tell you that when I shave the right side of my face, the grip on the razor is somewhat reversed with the thumb on the bottom where the shoulder of the blade is. Keep at it, keep a light touch and sharp razor is the advice I've been given. :)

A cartrigde razor is in theory the same as a safety razor or straight razor right? It's a sharp knife under a certain angle which drags across your skin...

Sorry, I am still a complete noob but thanks for all the advice!

That's true, but there's too many blades, so in theory, an awful lot of passes, plus they hone them like they just don't care. Welcome along though!

Hi Matthijs,
Congrats on your first shave!!
Sorry about the cuts and red lines on your face.
I do not use a shavette style razor so cannot give advice.Other members mayl chime in on this.
Your experience though is in line with a typical first shave with a straight as long as those cuts aren't too deep.
You should only concentrate on the sideburn area at first to minimise damage like this -and remember-STOP if you are doing too much damage.
Examine your angle of cut and make sure it is in the 20/30 degree range only.Don't move the blade sideways at all cost.
I would let your face heal by applying a good after shave balm and /or antiseptic cream.
It is a good idea to get yourself a D/E razor as these are good standby razors for finishing shaves although if you have cartridge razors these will do as well.It is really a matter of personal taste.
It is reccomended that you learn to use your left hand to shave - so continue to do this.
Don't give up -as it is well worth the pain when you get to be proficient.You will look back and smile.
All the best

Noggs :)

Hey.
The cuts are on the sideburn area onfortunately! And some smaller ones above and underneath my lips.

The sideburn ones were because i accidently moved the knife sidewards. Cuts are made so easy and you almost don't feel it!

I have an alum stick btw and i treat myselft with it ;)


thanks

to stop the bleeding you can hold a glowing match against it, it hurts like hell, leaves awful scars, but it stops bleeding immediate.
no serious just put a cigarette paper on it. this helps sthe bleeding stop a lot faster

Quote:

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Originally Posted by geruchtemoaker

to stop the bleeding you can hold a glowing match against it, it hurts like hell, leaves awful scars, but it stops bleeding immediate.
no serious just put a cigarette paper on it. this helps sthe bleeding stop a lot faster

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Nice tip.

The latter, not the former. ;)

Especially as I smoke roll ups. Plenty of papers on hand.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RicTic

Nice tip.

The latter, not the former. ;)

Especially as I smoke roll ups. Plenty of papers on hand.

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tx the only downside is when you have a bad shave you have a paper face

Sorry to hear of the bad experience. Someone told me that using a DE will help you get the angles down, so you might try it. Might also want to try a regular straight instead of the Shavette. I have never used one but have always heard that they are less forgiving.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Matthijs

Hey.
The cuts are on the sideburn area onfortunately! And some smaller ones above and underneath my lips.

The sideburn ones were because i accidently moved the knife sidewards. Cuts are made so easy and you almost don't feel it!

I have an alum stick btw and i treat myselft with it ;)


thanks

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Matthijs,

Sorry to hear about your mishap.

It would be a good idea to stop by the drugstore and purchase some antibiotic ointment to treat those cuts too. They may become infected.

Your mishap is the main reason that I shy away from using a shavette. There are some SRP members who do use them, but from what I've read here, the technique is somewhat different because it is more aggressive than a regular straight razor.

Next time, lighten up on the pressure you apply to the blade as you shave and also don't move the blade horizontally across your face.

Perhaps its time for you to consider investing in a regular straight razor as well.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

I hope you recover fast, I do !!

Sounds like you have some learning to do, especially when it comes to the other side of your face, keep at it and be patient and it will come to you, It seems as if you are on the right track but need to practice the fundamentals.