Thread: Another 1st shave

Well i tried out my new Iwasaki razor yesterday. I know I should of sent it out to be honed, but I figured i'd give it a try. I Stropped it about 20 times, 7 or 8 on the flat side (shallower hollow) and two on the hollow side. I put little pressure when I stropped, and what I did put I put on the spine and let the edge just kind of follow along. I didn't want to strop to much because I'm still not sure of what I'm doing, and I didn't want to ruin what edge the razor came with. So now to the shave. The worse shave I have ever had. Now that I said that let me explain. It was my first shave with any straight razor. I had no idea what I was doing, and I was lucky to not cut myself. I made it through the whole shave, I got a few nicks, but no bleeders. The chin was the hardest part. I'm still trying to figure out how to hold it, the razor, not the chin. I tried it using only the hollow ground side, but gave in and ended up using both sides. I didn't do anything fancy. no XTG, just wanted to get through a whole shave. So I still have a few hairs showing, and a rough feeling face that stings, but I didn't cut myself, really. Now for the soap. I tried Godrej, because I read somewhere that it lathers well. I have hard water and couldn't get a good lather. I need to watch more video's. I have a sandlewood soap that came with my brush and mug set, and some MWF and some cream coming in the mail. I think I'll practice making lather and use my mach 3 while I'm getting my Iwasaki honed. I'm not giving up, it's a challenge now.
What is a fairly inexpensive, but good, western style straight I can get to try that style? And from someone that will make sure its shave ready. Thanks for listening.

Tony G

Thanks for sharing, keep at it and study up... you'll get it in no time!

Originally Posted by Guarnera

What is a fairly inexpensive, but good, western style straight I can get to try that style? And from someone that will make sure its shave ready. Thanks for listening.

Tony G

You may want to take a week or two and cruise the classifieds, there are always deals to be had from reputable members.

Originally Posted by Guarnera

The chin was the hardest part. I'm still trying to figure out how to hold it, the razor, not the chin.

Actually, learning how to hold your chin (ie: how to stretch the skin properly) is important.