Jeff's Video Journal: A Beginner Learns Straight Razor Shaving
Hi everyone! I was inspired to FILM my straight razor journey, from my very first shave right up until I feel like I'm actually "moderately OK" at it. Right now, I'm far from OK!
My intention of starting this thread is for many reasons:
1. So I can look back and see how far I've come
2. So others can learn from my mistakes
3. So people can comment and offer suggestions, improvements, or possibly even some praise for not killing myself
So without further adieu, here is my first video.
This is me attempting my very FIRST straight razor shave. I have so much to learn, and I'm far from feeling comfortable. However, this is a journey that I hope will teach others what to do and what NOT to do. Learn from my mistakes, and have fun progressing with me on your own straight razor journey!
YouTube - Jeff's Straight Razor Shave: #1 - 03/03/11
AFTER THOUGHTS: My face felt a little raw. I definitely need to get used to the feel of a single blade slicing the hair versus the disposable razor "feel" that I am accustomed to. I did notice that I need to PULL MY SKIN more, especially when doing my neck area.
Some parts of the shave felt smooth, especially by the sideburn area. Lower on my jawline, it started to PULL more, so I think I need to check my skin stretching, and my angles.
I also need to get more comfortable holding the razor to get both sides of my face, and not be too nervous.
When I was done, I did some stropping but I'm not sure if I'm doing it write.....so in true fashion, I am posting a video of that too! I know I started off wrong (:banghead:) but I THINK I started to get it a little near the end. I am not trying to put any pressure on the blade, but I'm also at an angle and the blade sometimes seems to LIFT by the toe edge, so I need to be more mindful of that:
YouTube - Jeff's Stropping: #1 - 03/03/11
Comments welcome!
Jeff's Straight Razor Shave: #2 - 03/05/11
Alright, here is the video of Shave #2:
YouTube - Jeff's Straight Razor Shave: #2 - 03/05/11
AFTER THOUGHTS: Overall, this one went WAY better. I really slowed down my stropping before I began, so the razor felt nice. It shaved nice and smooth all down my face.
I need a lot of work on my neck though......not so much on the Adam's Apple area, but on either side of it. I think it has to do with the hairs growing horizontally there so my angle is attacking more XTG rather than WTG.
It also may be an angle issue or a cause of me pressing too hard. I still need to work on that. Applying the alum block afterwards hurt like a MUTHA!
However, as far as a SHAVE, it went really well, and I was surprisingly "not horrible" when using my left (non-dominant) hand to get my left side of the face. I still used my right hand to do my entire neck area though because that seemed to be the most comfortable for me.
Feel free to comment, and I will be posting more videos soon, both of my shaving AND of some tips I am learning on my own that should help others who find themselves in my position!