Thread: Another first shave report

Just did my first shave. I had built up a week's worth of stubble since I went and had my first barber shave last weekend (I wanted to be able to clearly see the growth patterns/directions of the hairs). I practiced several holds for the razor, looking at the wiki page here, and also how to flip the razor back and forth on it's spine before I got ready to strop it. I got the Big Daddy strop from Star Shaving. Took it nice and slow on the fabric side, no problem, then got the razor turned around in my hand when I switched to the leather side of the strop and promptly nicked it on the first go. Oh well. That's why I got a cheap strop, right?

Lather was a bit of a challenge, as I haven't gotten my glycerin shave soap in the mail yet, and being impatient, I decided to just use the shaving cream that I've been using with my disposable. I ended up still doing quite a bit of fiddling with my fingers trying to get the grip right for the various angles. Kept reminding myself "light touch", which didn't seem to be a problem. I tried to use the same hand for both sides of my face, but eventually gave up and used my left hand to do the right side. Cheeks were OK, but the neck area seemed to be the hardest. I had to go back over it a few times, and eventually just finished it up with my disposable to get rid of the stragglers. Got a few nicks here and there, but not as bad as I'd expected. It stung just a bit afterward, and there was a bit of redness on the lower left side of my face along the jawline. The aftershave definitely helped soothe that down.

Overall, not bad for my first go. Looking forward to doing it again in a few days.

Congratulations on the first shave!

You seem to be on a very good start, just keep with it and stay patient and you will be well rewarded. Any burn/redness will still be from excess pressure. I started using the str8 about 4 months ago, and it took me almost half that time to realize just how little pressure was needed. Let the weight of the razor do the work, and just guide the blade. A member here described it as "the touch," Once you find it, you know what it is. It is a little ambiguous, admittedly, but it really is true. A good soap or cream will help a lot too.

Congrats again, it is a great feeling, isn't it?

I forgot to mention: I royally massacred my strop the first couple of weeks. That is indeed why cheap strops are wonderful things......:-D

Congrats on the first shave. Keep at it as the shaves get better and better. I hacked my fist strop, so don't fret over that. Go slow, take the advice of the senior members here and in no time you'll be enjoying a very close shave.

Okole Maluna!!

Congrats on your first shave. It went far better than mine so keep up the good work. The "touch" is the thing. After about 30 or so shaves you will find out how much control you have over the razor and how light ("just a kiss away" - as the song goes) of a touch is needed. Everyone has or will nick their strop(s) at some time so don't feel bad. Also, learn your face (how the hair grows in different places) and adjust your shaving to take them down.