Thread: First Shave - Did not go well

Originally Posted by JSMaxwell

Hello All,

I attempted my first straight razor shave and it did not got well. I purchased a razor from the classifieds and sent it to Lynn for honing so I know the razor was not the problem.

The lather was good, thick and creamy like cool whip.

I fully accepted that I would probably nick myself, and I did, but that wasn't the problem. From the first stroke, on my dominant side, even in the "easy" spots, it was very rough. Pulling, tugging, scraping are the adjectives that come to mind. Sounded like sand paper. I didn't shave at all yesterday, so I had 48 hours of growth, maybe that was a mistake for the first shave.

I know it was my technique, and I assume my angle was off. I tried my best to keep the 30 degree angle, but guess I didn't pull it off.

Oh well...will try again later.

I've been on this straight razor odyssey since Easter weekend and boy does your experience sound familiar. It's not easy to master and there is no substitute for repetition. One day you are going to go through the same motions you have been going through since Day 1 and suddenly realize something you never noticed before and make a proper adjustment. That makes you feel great. I'm still trying to get consistently good shaves every time out of the box. One thing I have found out is that I shave better on days off than in the mornings before work because I am more relaxed and have fewer things on my mind.

If you want it bad enough you will get there and enjoy it immensely. It sounds from the tone of your post that you have the desire to get the job done.