Thread: Jeff's Video Journal: A Beginner Learns Straight Razor Shaving

Jeff,

Great idea and very interesting video. It's difficult to describe the experience of that first straight shave, but the video really captures that. I was able to generate a little more blood than you were able to, but that may lie ahead of you as you get more confident.

The belch near the end was my wife's favorite part, showing just how manly the straight shaving experience is.

I'll be pulling for you in your ensuing shaves. Give the non-dominant hand a try, maybe just on your left cheek. With practice, it'll come to you.

Welcome to the forum, thanks for such a cool contribution, and good luck. You do have Styptic pencil, right?

Just watched the stropping video, and it does look like the spine is up. It might help you to lay the strop flat on a table or in front of you on a large book. Stropping is more complicated when you are standing, trying new movements with your hand, manipulating the strop with your other hand, and trying to coordinate all of that. Straight shaving and stropping are complicated enough without adding in unnecessary variables. Laying your strop flat will simplify the process for you and enable you to put more concentration on your stroke which is, after all, the most important part. When you get that down, the transition to a hanging strop will be easier. Don't take too much on too early in the process.

I think it takes some guts to do all this on video, and for that you have my respect. I also think it is an extraordinary educational tool. Keep it up!

Jeff, you are a very brave man!!!

Recording your very first shave, that takes a lot of guts. I was a nervous wreck, just like you!!

One advice i really appreciated i got was this... Shave with confidence, follow thru, just like as you know what you are doing. Don't hesitate..... to much.

I look forward to follow your progress.

"So far so good. OUCH! SON OF A....!" That just too funny!

Great videos and a good x pattern on the strop, but as has been said before you are lifting the spine, keep the blade flat and you will be fine.

Jeff,

Now that i got some razors coming you have me thinking I need to record my first shave!
Thanks!

great video, and yes sorry i was laughing, because i remember when i started my shave would take FOREVER cause i couldnt figure out how to hold the razor, you first did look alot better than mine did though. i would suggest giving your other hand a try. when i started i thought there is no way i could ever use my left hand to shave that is just dangerous. but after i tried and got used to it, it makes doing the left side much easier, keep it up it gets easier and the shaves get smooooth.

-dan-

Oh that's better... that's way better! When I get a little... Urrp, excuse me. When I get a little bit better Awesome!

Great video! Takes a lot of guts to film the very first shave. I think you did a heck of a lot better than most.

Seems like you are holding the razor with just the thumb and index finger at some points and not getting a lot of stability.
Take a look at this post about grip. It helped me a lot. Holding it more by the blade then by the tang. Take a look and thanks for the video.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post712153
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post712603

--Shoki

When I think of it I get nervous...but to be truthful my excitement over powers any thing else on this subject, I think I will do very well as I am a perfectionist with ADHD lol, my hubby is the same way as well so we will likely end up as a couple SR gurus in short order.

Getting ahead of myself here...

I really enjoyed the videos Jeff! I mean it is the first time I have seen a beginners video that is so honest and candid, it makes the rest of us beginners and yet to be beginners feel more relaxed going into this art form.

As a lady it will be a bit different for me as my legs are the focus for the blade, and wow about thinking of doing the backs of my legs with a bare blade! I have a slight bit more of a challenge than other ladies...of my OWN doing...as my legs are covered in majority in tattoo so visually it is a lost cause for hair I have to FEEL. But it is close enough for government work as my hubby would say lol.

Please do keep up the videos, very awesome to watch you learn, and it makes others feel good going into this.

Also! Geofatboy on Youtube, his videos are EXTREMELY helpful and is what made my hubby FINALLY give in and start shaving with a DE.