Thread: First Shave Last Night

Hey guys,

So I had my first shave with the straight last night. It went surprisingly smoothly, although it was certainly not a speedy enterprise - I was pretty cautious since I didn't want to detach an earlobe or something. I think my lather was decent, and I actually got the closest shave I think I ever have on my cheeks. Jawline and neck were a different story though. I can't quite get rid of the stubble in those places, and although I didn't actually cut myself I think I've got a bit of burn on my neck. I think it's probably a blade-angle/pressure problem. Not sure though. I think I just need to get a good number of shaves under my belt before I really have a feel for any of it.

Anyway, all-in-all I'd say a success. No trips to the ER!

Scott,

Good for you. Keep it up! You'll find that it will take you longer, at least at first, to shave with a straight razor. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's part of the fun.

As for your problem areas...The reason you can't seem to eliminate all of the stubble on your neck and jawline is because your hair is growing at different angles. Try an XTG or ATG pass on your jawline and neck, once you gain some confidence using your razor. Those two things do wonders for me--and they probably will do the same for you too.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

What's the best way to tell which way is ATG or XTG? I guess what i'm asking is how do I tell at which angle the hair is growing?

congrats..I'm sure things will inch by to get better..takes awhile with patience too..im into it 3 months and can get all areas of my face finally

good luck!
pcdad

I do have to say though that the smell of the shaving soap has stuck with me all morning and has made my day a bit more enjoyable. There's definitely something to a good straight shave.

Glad to hear the shave went well, with no detached ear lobes etc.
+1 to jhenry the time taken is all part of the enjoyment, it does get quicker (but not much)
The redness does get less as you become more profficient and your skin adjusts

Congratulatioins on your first shave. Running your hand over your face should give you an idea of the direction of grain. You should be able to feel the whiskers as your hand goes into them. You're going ATG when it feels the roughest. If it feels nice and smooth going South to North for example, the beard is growing North to South. it may be a little confusing in areas like the chin where it may grow in several directions, but with a little concentration you should be able to discern the directionality. Good luck.

Good job. Keep up the good work and it will fall into place soon enough.

Thanks! I believe my second shave will be tonight. I'm really drunk though, from watching the Ghana v Germany game at a bar tonight. Jesus Christ. Maybe I'd better sober up before trying to shave again.

Originally Posted by mscard

Thanks! I believe my second shave will be tonight. I'm really drunk though, from watching the Ghana v Germany game at a bar tonight. Jesus Christ. Maybe I'd better sober up before trying to shave again.

Probably a wise thing to do, unless you want a detached ear lobe

That said, congrats on your first shave. I wouldn't worry about it taking a long time, just try to enjoy it. I think my first shave took me 45 minutes or so, and my last one probably less than 10 of actual shave time.