Thread: My first straight razor

Managed a full face shave today without nicking myself. Was a bit rough around the chin though - the shave just wasn't close and the razor was pulling at the whiskers instead of cutting them. I'm not sure if my technique (or lack of) is to blame, or if the razor just isn't sharp enough.

It took me almost a month of shaving with the straight before I could begin to get a decent shave on the upper lip and chin. It is just tough to learn. I did find that the blade must be sharp and the chin needs to be really lubricated. After the first pass, I rinse my chin, leave it wet, and then reapply the shaving cream. I also lower the angle of the blade on the chin to about 7 degrees so it slices more.

If you have done two full shaves with no blood, you are doing great. Keep at it and the skill will come more quickly than you think.

Good Luck and Happy Shaving!

Originally Posted by lapp

Managed a full face shave today without nicking myself. Was a bit rough around the chin though - the shave just wasn't close and the razor was pulling at the whiskers instead of cutting them. I'm not sure if my technique (or lack of) is to blame, or if the razor just isn't sharp enough.

Hope things are improving for you, but thought I'd chime in...I had my razors done by a member here and they came back SO smooth it was unbelievable. After several shaves and rookie stropping sessions (all with one razor) it's still so smooth there's no tugging whatsoever...with the proper stretching and blade angle. The only thing that comes close is ATG at the end of a pass as I pull the blade from my face, but even that doesn't compare with the tugging and pulling I'd get from a cartridge razor.

If you haven't had your razor honed by one of the masters here, I'd strongly urge you to do so. It could make all the difference...and at least would eliminate one more variable in your shaves.

Kudos for recording that first one. I had the same hesitation and "how do you approach this?" problems. Thanks for sharing.

Peace,

I'd love to have one of the masters here hone up my blade, but that option is a little impractical considering i live in New Zealand. I will eventually learn to properly hone - infact i have recently bought another razor (a Gotta) for that purpose

@DLB - i have real trouble with my upper lip too. It takes a lot of razor work to get it smooth and i always end up with a bit of razor burn there. I am improving though.

Originally Posted by lapp

@DLB - i have real trouble with my upper lip too. It takes a lot of razor work to get it smooth and i always end up with a bit of razor burn there. I am improving though.

Lapp,

I have to confess that, in the beginning, I cheated by taking a couple of WTG passes on my upper lip and chin with the straight razor and then switched to a Edwin Jagger DE89L for the XTG and ATG passes. After I got really comfortable using the straight, I gradually (over three months) shifted to totally using the straight for all the passes. I use two hands to hold the razor when I do ATG on my upper lip and use really short strokes.

I hope you will continue to chronicle your experiences. We enjoy reading them. On your video, I related to the tension of your first shave and sort of laughed when you finally exhaled and took a couple of deep breaths. You should keep a copy of that video. Your future son will love it. Try posting a video of your tenth or twentieth shave.

Regards and Happy Shaving!

Fourth shave today, baby butt smooth. My technique has improved very quickly and i am now fairly confident on how the razor handles across my face. I try to keep that confidence in check though, as i know it'll get me nicked bad otherwise. Now i can quite happily shave my entire face with the straight, and today i managed it without any irritation - and that was including an ATG pass! Easily the closest shave i have ever had, and it feels amazing

Congratulations. You must be a really quick learner. It's fun and immensely rewarding, is it not?

Extremely!

Congrats on the fast progress and great first shave video.
I wish more people did them. SpicyJem talked me in the recording mine. I have not progressed as fast as you have. Still enjoying it though.
When is your next "advanced" video?

I think the advanced video will be a while in coming as there is still much to learn! I can quite happily shave my entire face, but i still struggle with the upper lip, and going ATG on the chin. I have yet to nick myself yet though

I enjoyed watching your vid too GreenLightJerky.

I recently bread-knifed and honed a vintage razor (wavy edge) back to a shave ready state. I was very proud!