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  1. #1
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    Default First shave jitters?

    Hi everyone. I am a new guy around here and I am very impressed with everyones willingness to help out guys like me.
    I need a little advice or maybe reassurance. I recently got all geared up and had a little extra time this morning so I decided to try my new razor.

    I was scared.

    I have practiced on my arms and thigh areas which I know is a little weird but I wanted to hey a feel for how well the razor cuts and how it feels. No issue.

    When I put the blade to my face I just am afraid. I know that if you use proper technique it is harder to cut yourself than most people think.

    My question is Dix any of you have first time jitters?

  2. #2
    Senior Member goaT's Avatar
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    My first shave will be tomorrow, when my razor arrives, and I'm pretty nervous about it. My plan is to take a nice shower first, get lathered up, hold the blade and take some very deep breaths.

  3. #3
    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default First Shave Jitters

    Hello, Bassmantwee:

    I am sure many shavers have the jitters on their maiden voyage with the straight razor. I know I did. Think good preparation, proper razor angle and no razor pressure whatsoever — the razor's weight is all the pressure you need.

    Obviously your razor is shave ready, correct?

    Start with shaving your cheeks. One or two passes from the side burn to the jawline will do for the next few days. After that expand the areas a bit at a time. You'll do fine, especially if you stop worrying about cutting yourself. Focus on the razor angle and pressure.

    It takes time to hone your skill with the straight razor. You will get there.

    Regards,
    Obie

  4. #4
    zib
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    Good advice from my friend Obie. Take your time, a few deep breath's and start with a small area first, sideburns to the cheek...Do whatever you can to relax before hand.
    A nice hot shower and go for it. The more you shave, the better you get at it...
    We have assumed control !

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to zib For This Useful Post:

    Obie (08-18-2010)

  6. #5
    Member AFDavis11's Avatar
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    I suggest shaving when you are alone in the house. Use a dry hand to shave with and do a good job of prepping the beard area. Then only shave a small portion under the sideburn as suggested.

    Go slow. Take your time. Be careful.

    Most of the problems people have is because they do not have a shave ready razor, do not actually know how to strop, and do not know how to shave.

    Accept all of these possibilities and expect nothing more than to gain a little experience.

    DO NOT EXPECT A GOOD SHAVE.

    Most trepidation is rooted in the unknown. Read up and study a bit. Then learn from the experience.

  7. #6
    Senior Member jeffegg2's Avatar
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    Cool

    I find that I get nicked, not so much when I am afraid, but when I get over-confident. Sometimes fear is a good thing. Just turn that fear into a healthy respect and you will do fine.

    Having spent 15 years with a Double Edge, I have seen my share of blood, and don't think much of it. Just rub it with the styptic and move on. Scars on a man add character! hehe!

  8. #7
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    Well - I actually did it and I must say i did really well.

    I did my whole face with the exception of where a goatee would be (lip and chin)

    NOT A SINGLE NICK!!!!

    I had a little trouble using my non dominant hand....... I think i want to try and use two hands rather than reaching across... any thoughts on this?

  9. #8
    all your razor are belong to us red96ta's Avatar
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    For my first shave, I shook like a leaf....bad shave, but no cuts. After the first couple days, the shakes were gone, but ironically, the nicks began.

  10. #9
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    Congrats on getting past those jitters and just going for it. I was in the same boat about a week ago.

    My first few shaves were nik free (like Red). Fourth shave I got two niks (minor) and didn't know why I got them. I realized I rushed the shave and did not concentrate. Fifth shave I slowed down, and was nik free.

    As a complete noob, I am learning a big lesson in patience. There are so many small things to master! Good luck and keep at it!

  11. #10
    Well Shaved Gentleman... jhenry's Avatar
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    First time jitters are quite normal. I was nervous as heck when I lathered up for my first straight razor shave last December.

    The more you shave with your straight razor, however, the less nervous you will become and it will become more and more enjoyable.

    Take care--and smooth shaving my friend.
    "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Mark Twain

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