Thread: Did It!

I got my startup shaving gear (razor, strop, etc.) this week along with Lynn's DVD. Read up on the forum and watched all the little video blurps on-line and watched/re-watched Lynn's DVD. I finally felt it was time to give it a shot. This morning I did my first straight razor shave. Went a lot better than I thought it would. I took a chance (what the hell, Columbus did!) without a styptic stick, since I'm on Warfarin. I had no nicks, dings or runs the first scrape I did. Wow, was I impressed with myself. I did however, draw blood on the re-scrape, but just a tad. I had some difficulty trimming around my Deadwood style goatee on the chin, but didn't push it (figured it was close enough for government work). Have to practice different grips for different parts of the face/chin. All in all, I think I did alright for the first time around. Even though I was sweatin' it out during the process, I actually did enjoy the experience.

Congrats on your first Straight Shave. It is indeed an acomplishment. The good news is that things only get better!

Keep reading the forum and take it slow...if you are not enjoying yourself, put it down and try another time.

After about 2-3 months of str8 use you'll be amazed at the difference in your shave quality and skill level. Try not to use other methods as a crutch. Stick to your str8 and your skill level will increase dramatically.

Congratulations! Take things slow to focus on the proper techniques involved in all aspects of straight shaving and before you know it, it will all come together and you will be getting the best shaves of your life.