my first month........

I have been using a straight razor for about a month now.

Some of the things that I have learned along the way are listed below:

Buying a "pre-sharpened" razor does not mean that it is shave ready. With that said I honed my own blade after my first shave, it seems like it is good to go but at this time but I have nothing to compare it to, I have ordered a blade off of the classifieds and am waiting for it to show up.

First shave resulted in a uncomfortable feel of the blade in my hand, a few nicks (nothing major), and a major burning sensation (lasted all day). After watching videos and reading the wiki I realized that I was not properly prepping my face. I starting using a hot towel to prep my face and this helped but still had the burning feeling around my mustache and mouth area (this is where my hair grows the thickest). The blade also started to feel better in my hand and started shaving XTG. Burning sensation was still their. Finally I started reading the posts in the pre shave and post shave sections. Nivea sensitive skin aftershave = no burning sensation after the shave.

I have also learned that you need to command the blade in your hand and not let is defeat you. If you are afraid or do not hold the blade with authority it will get the better of you. Also, I have been shocked on how hard it is to get a good lather. It seems like every time I shave the lather is different, I am still trying to get the lather right.

Today was the first day that I tried to shave ATG, uncomfortable feeling of the blade in my hands is definitely not helping, this will take time but I'll figure it out.

At the end of the day, I wish I would have learned to shave with a straight razor from day one. I love my straight razor and love the challenge that it gives me every day.

I also ordered Lynn's dvd; it is my opinion that all beginners should spend the money for this dvd it is well worth it.

My favorite forums on this site are the shave of the day and the classifieds, I love seeing the unique blades and different stuff that people use.

I would like to thank everyone that posts a comment on this site, all the information is very valuable to anyone starting out.

congrats on your frist month and thanks for shareing. razor burn is mostly a combo of too much presure and skin that hasnt got used to the straight yet.it will disapear in time. try thayers witch hazel it works wonders on razor burn and makes your face feel great. i use it after every shave and then Nivea balm.you might also try useing hair conditioner on your beard, it realy helps me.what do you have for soap or cream? some are harder than others to get realy good lather. but even the cheapest will beat the stuffing out of goo in a can.also do you stash and chin frist when your razor is fresh off the strop that should help cut down on the afterburn.
somedays my shave is less than what it could be i have learned to limit myself to 2 passes and a touchup and if its not up to snuff so be for today .avoid going over and over on the same spot and try something different next time. different angle or direction it took me a year to get my face mapped out and iam still fine tuneing it.

Congrats. I'm about a month in myself. Thankfully I had a very sharp razor to start with. More and more I'm appreciating how easier that made my learning.

"Slow n steady wins the Race..said the Tortoise to the Hare"..keep up the good work!

pcdad

Thanks for the good info. My razor will be here this week and I'm ready to give it a whirl. Watching videos from this great site to get prepared...

Congrats and enjoy the adventure..I got started the same way watching bids and getting help from the pros!

Pcdad

thank you everyone.