Thread: Comments on first shave

I got my Dovo carbon steel blade that I had sharpened by Lynn in yesterday and had my first shave with a straight. It was mixed experience. Thanks to the advice I've recieved on this site and the video of Lynn shaving, I was able to do a successful full first shave with the against the grain, I was even able to shave my head with it . The only really difficult I found was shaving the area at the bottom of my jaw.
The shave was comfortable and close, it was not quite as close as I get with the mach 3, but more comfortabe. My technique probably just needs some work or maybe I need something bigger than 5/8 for a beard like mine. My beard is extremely thick and course though (you practically need a hack saw to get through it.) I was also suprised that the blade developed some rust spots on it while I was shaving, has anyone else had that happen?
I'll probably post again after the next couple shaves if I start to get a closer shave, until then any comments any experienced shaver has would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Evan

Originally Posted by filmecyan

I got my Dovo carbon steel blade that I had sharpened by Lynn in yesterday and had my first shave with a straight. It was mixed experience. Thanks to the advice I've recieved on this site and the video of Lynn shaving, I was able to do a successful full first shave with the against the grain, I was even able to shave my head with it . The only really difficult I found was shaving the area at the bottom of my jaw.
The shave was comfortable and close, it was not quite as close as I get with the mach 3, but more comfortabe. My technique probably just needs some work or maybe I need something bigger than 5/8 for a beard like mine. My beard is extremely thick and course though (you practically need a hack saw to get through it.) I was also suprised that the blade developed some rust spots on it while I was shaving, has anyone else had that happen?
I'll probably post again after the next couple shaves if I start to get a closer shave, until then any comments any experienced shaver has would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Evan

I find under the jaw to be the hardest area to get super close. Try a slightly steeper angle and make sure you pull the skin as tight as possible. You might want to try a heavier blade 7/8's but a good sharp blade at 5/8 should still get the job done.

Glad to hear your first shave went well. My jaw and chin area is one of the more difficult parts of the face for me to shave well, so don't feel too bad. With time and practice, it will get better.

If you've got a really heavy or course beard, then you might want to try a bigger razor, such as a 7/8. John Crowley has several 7/8s razors for sale on his site.

http://www.shavingshop.com/index.php?category=32

The rust spots are curious. It could be shaving cream residue. Just be sure to thoroughly clean, rinse and dry the razor before putting it away for the night. It may help to put a light coat of Camilla oil or Sterol on it to protect it.

Ed

I really think that the chin and moustache areas are the hardest for most people. It's the combination of compound curves and the way (at least for me) the hair grows in those areas. Sometimes, it seems as if those obstacles were put in the way just to thwart someone trying to shave with a straight!

After shaving with a straight daily for a week, I think I'm starting to figure out the techniques, and this morning's shave was the best I've achieved so far. Smooth, no nicks (even under my chin, which is where I usually nick myself), and very comfortable.

I had ordered a 7/8 and an 8/8, and they arrived today. I'm having to be very patient, as SWMBO is home, and would catch me with my new toys if I rushed in and shaved in the middle of the afternoon!

The more you shave the easier it will get...dont forget to rinse your face with very cold water to closeyour pores...face conditioning after the shave is as important as pre shave conditioning

I made the cold water rinse one of the things I do religiously.I use it just as cold as the water will run from the faucet, and rinse thoroughly as soon as I'm done with the razor.

The only other thing I do (and this is just my personal preference) is to use aloe vera gel as my balm, and no other after treatments or scents. This works very well for me, and if I have nicked myself, the healing is very rapid. I have yet to have a nick reopened while shaving the day after I cut myself.

There is also very little sting or burn with the aloe, and the price is very reasonable, which is a bonus.

, I was even able to shave my head with it . -Evan[/QUOTE]


Weren't you afraid you were going to cut your ear off?! shave my head as well. I use one of those head blades which holds a double blade. I can not imagine having the patience to shave my entire head with a straight. How did you keep the lather from drying out?

Just Curious

Originally Posted by Jim Thompson

I can not imagine having the patience to shave my entire head with a straight. How did you keep the lather from drying out?

Use a 300mm knot brush or a quarter badger will do, and a mop bucket for a shaving mug. Sine lathering to the noggin can be tedious just dunk you whole head right in there of to the collar bone. Wear a SCUBA mask and ear muffs to avoid having to wipe away the excess lather. Then shave like the Stooges do.

X

Originally Posted by RichZ

I find under the jaw to be the hardest area to get super close. Try a slightly steeper angle and make sure you pull the skin as tight as possible. You might want to try a heavier blade 7/8's but a good sharp blade at 5/8 should still get the job done.

I actually got better shaves of that area with a 5/8 than with a 6/8 that gives me a generally better performance. The trick to it is to vary the angle of the blade and stretch the skin properly. If you do it right, mach3 will have NOTHING on your straight in the closeness department.

Originally Posted by Jim Thompson

Weren't you afraid you were going to cut your ear off?! shave my head as well. I use one of those head blades which holds a double blade. I can not imagine having the patience to shave my entire head with a straight. How did you keep the lather from drying out?

Just Curious

It's actually easier than shaving your face because your head skin is stretched better than the skin on your face. The only trick is being able to shave without being able to see what you're doing, and if you're using to shaving your head, this is no problem. To keep the lather from drying out, just add more lather for each section before you shave it. I use a small antique boar's brush that's the only brush I've ever used and works OK for me.
Try and you'll find its no problem at all.

-Evan