Thread: First Straight Shave Ever! - With a Dovo Bismark

My Dovo arrived today! I couldn't wait and had shaved with a safety less than 8 hours previous, so my face was especially ****ed that it had to undergo another session.

The razor itself was much larger than I was expecting. I'd never actually handled a straight razor or even seen one before this.

I found the first shave to be very awkward. I was nervous dragging the blade across my face but gained confidence after a few sweeps. I am pleased to report that I did not cut myself at all. All I can suggest to others starting out is to take it slowly. Sometimes stubble would catch the blade and pull. I suspect my skill, but I'm still waiting for my strop to show up from Star Shaving and will probably have a better shave after stropping. Even though the blade was "shave ready".

I need to watch and read a bit more to get my technique down. I boiled some water and put it in a mug then dipped my brush in to get it wet. I then swirled the wet brush in another mug with my shaving soap until lathered. The soap dried very quickly and I found I had to lather a lot, probably 8 times or more on certain areas. I haven't read much on preparation so I definitely need to see how to do it properly. Among other finer details.

I have a Torrey on its way too and am looking forward to noting the differences between the two blades.

Overall it was a pleasant experience I'm sure will improve with time and shaves.

Hi, and welcome to the forum. First, I would definitely not dip my brush in boiling water, you'll damage the hairs. I'd also recommend having your blade professionaly honed. Even though they are sold as shave ready, They usually aren't (unless someone specifically honed it prior to shipping), That may have something to do with the pulling and tugging, It could also be your prep, and/or the angle of the blade while your shaving...Read the wiki here, it's a wealth of info, Also, on Youtube. Check Mantic59 He has excellent shaving video's and also one's on Lather building....They're entertaining and informative...

Dovo and Torrey are both fine blades...

Ahhh that first time!!! Yes, it will seem really awkward. You don't have the muscle memory yet for straight shaving. Just take your time, and it'll get much better. Watch some shaving videos in between trials... Some will shave just part of their face at first.

The lathering with a brush takes some learning as well. There is a fine line between too much water and not enough, as well as so many different brands that all seem to behave differently so trying a new brand may not work out with your old technique.

Also the advice of having it pro-honed if it has not been is wise advice.

Enjoy!!!

Great news on your first shave. My advice would be go slow, read the WIKI and take the advice of the senior guys on the SRP.

Good Luck!!

Thanks guys.

After watching a few of Mantic59's videos on uTube I've found I was doing a lot wrong.

Firstly I was over grooming causing massive irritation to my throat area. I'm going to have to lay off for a few days, despite having tempting stubble; I can't even touch the area with a safety. I suspect the drying of my skin due to incorrect practices and shaving with the straight for the first time.

Second, I wasn't building my lather properly. I was doing layers of lather when I should have kept building one good lather. Also I was putting aftershave directly onto the face when it was supposed to be diluted with balm or water. So much for the movies.

My Dovo was prehoned by the seller, although I will definitely consider a pro hone. We'll see how she shaves once my strop arrives and I lather and apply after shave properly. However it'll be another day or two for my face to calm down.

I have never mixed after shave with anything. Just used it straight...

Originally Posted by chaos945

Thanks guys.

After watching a few of Mantic59's videos on uTube I've found I was doing a lot wrong.

Firstly I was over grooming causing massive irritation to my throat area. I'm going to have to lay off for a few days, despite having tempting stubble; I can't even touch the area with a safety. I suspect the drying of my skin due to incorrect practices and shaving with the straight for the first time.

Second, I wasn't building my lather properly. I was doing layers of lather when I should have kept building one good lather. Also I was putting aftershave directly onto the face when it was supposed to be diluted with balm or water. So much for the movies.

My Dovo was prehoned by the seller, although I will definitely consider a pro hone. We'll see how she shaves once my strop arrives and I lather and apply after shave properly. However it'll be another day or two for my face to calm down.

First off, congrats on your first shave and welcome to SRP! First shave is always really awkward, but things get dramatically better quickly. It sounds like you are aware that technique is holding you back from getting a good shave, and this is great. Too many beginners blame the razor even though it's been sharpened by a pro, so you are already ahead of the game by your awareness of technique. Just keep focusing on technique, and you will be getting great shaves before you know it.

As far as lather and aftershave is concerned, you don't need to be too anal about it. Sure, a better lather will make a bit of a difference, but as long as your beard has been softened, and there is moisture on your face, then the lather is doing its job. Some guys don't even lather at all, just use water only.

Aftershave isn't meant to be watered down either. Using it straight from the bottle is what all of us do. (Well, everyone except the one who told you different).