Thread: 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?

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.

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

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...

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.

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!

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?

Great job on the first successful shave, Bass!

Welcome, Bassmantweed!

I think we all have the jitters the first time we pick up a really sharp piece of steel that looks enormous when you put it up against the face--and then proceed to slide it down said face, sharp edge leading.

+1 to what others have said--relax (but pay attention!), take your time, and learn to use that non-dominant hand. If you're about to try something new and you don't feel comfortable, stop. You'll be surprised at how quickly you progress when you don't push it.

Good to have you on board!

Originally Posted by Bassmantweed

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?

Keep practicing with your off hand. Its a skill that will pay off greatly as your skill increases.