Thread: First Shave

After deciding to make the switch to a straight razor I spent many hours reading about techniques,razors,strops basically any advice and information I could find including videos.I must say this site has been a life saver and I have learned a great deal from it.
It was now time to start gathering supplies which I was trying not to spend a fortune,but didn't want to start with junk.For $35 I purchased a real nice Des Moines "Punjab" razor(9/16, full hollow, square point).I also ordered a filly strop for $20 which was also recommended by a user on this site.As for a brush and mug,I got a set at the drug store for $10.For $65 and countless hours reading and watching videos I was ready to go.
After a hot shower I lathered up.Grasping the german steel with the faux wood scales lightly in my hand it was time to begin.My first shave was not the smoothest nicest shave I have ever had nor was it the worst most horrifing experience in the world.I made a single pass over my entire face,having only nicked myself once on the chin and had only the slightest of burning sensation when finished.Some spots turned out better than others.I believe all good things come with time and I'm sure after a few more shaves and a little more practice everything will be just fine.I think I will try a preshave or such next time for better preperation and I'm sure I will get the shaving angle down,which I believe sometimes I got it right sometimes a little much or not quite enough enough.I'm sure a few more shaves and a little time everything will come together quite nicely.
In summary for beginners like myself I can't express the importance of reading and researching and reading some more,the videos on this site are a great help too.Ask as many questions as you need to.Everyone on this site seems willing to help with whatever you need and I can't thank everyone here enough.I am glad I found this site I has been a great help from getting a razor to technique needed for a nice shave.Without Straight Razor Place I would of just been slicing in the dark.Thank you everyone.

Welcome to SRP and enjoy using straight razor.
THANK YOU for posting your experience will help a lot newbies.

Hello, aib101:

You are starting the proper way by doing your research, buying the equipment you need and proceeding methodically with your shave. Best of all, you exhibit the right attitude for what shall turn out to be a pleasure for you.

Take your time honing your skills and don't expect to have perfect shaves for a while. They will come. In the meantime, please post your questions and you will have your answers in no time at all.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. We're delighted to have among gentleman shaver in our company.

Regards,
Obie

Congrats!

As Obie says, you're doing things the right way: Do your research, read up on tips and techniques and then start to shave. That homework really pays off in spades when you start shaving!

You'll be pleased to hear it just keeps getting better and better, and it turns what used to be a bit of a chore into a daily pleasure. I wake up in the morning looking forward to my shaves, and I enjoy eah and every one of them..!

I also fully agree with Sham. Posting your experiences here helps other new guys get started and shows them the right way to get into the hobby and make the journey a joy, so thank you for sharing.

Good luck, have fun and keep us posted!

+1 to all of the above! Like you, I read on here for a couple of weeks before trying my first shave. The first video I actually watched was on Youtube. SRP's name wound up popping up somewhere in all my searching and googling. It goes without saying, this is where I got the real meat & potatos. LOL!

Welcome to SRP and we all hope you stay with it. Like many others, I now find shaving an enjoyment instead of a chore.

Ya see! A $300 razor and $100 strop does not a perfect shave make. Sometimes it's the ugly dogs that try the hardest to please their new owners. This hobby has so many facets that you can get lost in it if you want...literally a thousand different brands to try, craftsmen can create new scales, you can work a blade, honers like the challenge...just so much to look forward to! Have fun and enjoy the journey.

Just wanted to thank everyone here this site has been a great deal of help.My second shave with a straight today(not counting the time I was about 15 and decided to use one to shave my head without fabulous results)
Not bad,not perfect which I expected.The stropping is going to take some getting used.The shave came out not so bad,cheeks were nice and smooth.A little redness on my neck and chin,the angle I presume.I just can't believe I'm actually looking forward to shaving again.
My advice to beginners like myself would be to read and research,which this site seems to tell you everything you need to know and if you can't find the answer just ask everyone here seems willing to help which is much appeciated.Take your time shaving and what I feel is real important don't be scared shave with confidence.