Officially not a SR Virgin...my story

On Sunday, after weeks of reading/viewing everything I could on this forum, I attempted my first Straight Razor Shave. I can't brag about a BBS shave, nor was my technique anything near decent, but I did do it without a nick, and my what a rewarding experience it was. I thank the forum and Lynn for the great wealth of info. Here's how it went:

Started with a hot shower, let my brush soak, and lathered up with a makeshift attempt at trying to keep the lather hot.

I started with my dominant hand, and began to shave the right side of my face. The cheek/sideburn area was easiest to control and maneuver. I kept the angle tight and felt minimal resistance, making sure to use light short strokes going with the grain.

Then I started the left side. I found that I could not get comfortable with my left hand, so I just used my right. The results where OK on this side.

I then experimented with holding the blade a few different ways and worked with the neck area under my chin. That was decent, but I did not feel comfortable getting the sides under my left/right jaw.

Moving to the chin, I tried a few plans of attack, but that was proving a little tough to get going, except under the lip.

Finally, I attempted the mustache area. Nope, not happening yet.

I really took my time and went with what felt comfortable. In between areas, I would re-lather so I wouldn't dry out.

When I started to get a little fatigued, I quit. Pulled out the Mach III and finished all that I missed. Splashed a little witch hazel and then some Nivea balm and voila. I felt like a new man!

Broke out the strop and did my best. I can see why a noob should not have the best strop to start with. Ended up with a small nick in the strop by the end.

Overall, it was an extremely rewarding experience. The Shave was nothing to write home about, as I left lots of whiskers, but the whole ritual was very satisfying to say the least.

My first question is that I could use a little guidance with the razor. It seems too big for my face. It is a 6/8. The blade is wider than some areas that were tough for me to get to, as if where I wanted to shave would also slice into an area on another part of the blade (by the heel). Would a smaller blade suit me better? Or do I just need a ton of practice?

Thanks for reading!

Mike

The blade is not too big, though some prefer smaller blades. You need a ton of practice.

You will find , over time, that you have a preference in razor size, grind etc...
But yeah a ton of practice is still needed :)

Nope, the blade is fine...you just need practice.

Sounds like a good first experience, keep at it and in a couple of months you will have forgotten this post.

Thank you fellas, I will keep practicing!