Some success...

First, I made a foolish purchase before discovering this forum, since discovering it I have ordered some better products that I think are going to really help when they get here.

Prior to that however I picked up a disposable blade shavette like razor, the parker brand one that comes with blades. Any way the first few times I tried it, resulted in the a white towel turning a bright red color. I'm still waiting for my new stuff to arrive and the beard was getting long which I don't like. So I decided to try my hand again with this razor. I started out by relaxing a bit. I then washed my face, and applied a small amount of preshave oil. I then lathered up and put the razor to my face. I made a couple of changes to my technique, I went very slow focusing on stretching my skin, and applying very little pressure to the blade. I managed to get over my whole face with only 1 nick, but that was when I went over a scab from one of my earlier attempts. I was really happy to have made it with little to no blood that left me feeling great. However, there's a few places I need to work on, first is my chin and second is my weak hand side and finally getting a closer shave. However, this bit of success is really encouraging I can't wait until my honed straight arrives I think it is going to give me greater results.

thanks everyone

Hello, Vinny:

Learning to shave with the straight razor requires patience and determination. You seem to have that. Good. Yes, some areas on the face always create problems for shavers. The chin area and the hollow of the neck on both sides. Eventually, though, you will gain the skill to shave those trouble spots. Take your time and embrace the whole ritual of wet shaving with the straight razor.

Regards,

Obie

+1 with what Obie said. I'm really new as well, Vinny and it sounds like you have the right idea. The chin is a tough area--I've been shaving/practicing/learning for only two weeks now and I finally got a decent shave on my chin this morning--it just took an hour. lol

Excellent. In your original post you have used the most operative of all words in this hobby: slow. It is indeed the best part, that length of time spent thinking about what you're about to do, doing it correctly, and then admiring your new skill.

Make a short pass, feel it with your other fingers, make another one and do the same. It's the best part of the morning.

Congratulations, and welcome to this most excellent forum.