Not a positive experience so far

Hello again,

Thank you all for your advice and guidings! This Saturday morning I had a fantastic shave - with my Gillette Aristocrat. Sun is shining, birds are singing, yesterday's frustration is gone and life is good! I could easily let it be with that. But learning from the enthusiasm of you dedicated straight shavers on this forum, I am sure there is yet another level of comfort out there using a straight when skill improves. I really want to come there, but will take it slow from here. So my primary tool going forward will be a DE, occationally picking up my straight now and then following the valuable guidelines in this thread. Thanks!

Well, it's cloudy here, a little chilly, and the I think the birds are shivering too much to sing, but life is still good. I think you've chosen the best attitude. You don't have to be a DE shaver or straight shaver. Use whatever you want and enjoy yourself.

If you do move forward to straights, however gradually, you may or may not find more comfort. What you will find is enjoyment.

I completely agree with Ace... Just go with what you feel like for the day and enjoy it. Just like picking out what cloths you are going to wear for the day... then eventaulay you will find that shirt, or pants, or shoes that you just like WAY too much and then wear it out to the point of disentigration.. Fun factor and enjoyment are Key to anything.. Good luck Egilhei...

Straight razor shaving is like working out - if you expect results straight away you may be disappointed. Stick with it, give it a month or two, and if you are still unhappy with the results then you can abandon it.

That's the approach I've been taking at least - and it's really helped out with my mindset and expectations. Instead of disappointment I get pleasantly surprised once and a while with my progress.

Stick it out with the straight man! Use both...Do the middle of your cheeks for a couple of weeks with your straight and then use your DE for everything else and see how you feel about it after a while...and try not to compare too much. Anyone can pick up a safety razor and get a good shave. It takes a bit of practice and skill to get a GREAT shave with a straight. =)

I read a piece of advise when I started that helped me through the beginning. Don't push yourself if you feel uncomfortable stop and finish with your old way of shaving. You will eventually build the confidence to get the job done.

Into the game again!

Hello gents! I started this thread two weeks ago, and I just want to tell that things have greatly improved these weeks! A few days with a DE only, gradually shifting to my straight and for the last days using my straight only. Today I had my first "BBS-like" straight shave except the (for me) tricky area below the jawline - and no blood spilled. Point of no return is reached and passed! Thanks for your useful and encouraging advices in this thread!

To get the area immediately below the jawline, pull up on your cheek with one hand which will bring that area up onto the jawline so it is readily accessible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Egilhei

Into the game again!

Hello gents! I started this thread two weeks ago, and I just want to tell that things have greatly improved these weeks! A few days with a DE only, gradually shifting to my straight and for the last days using my straight only. Today I had my first "BBS-like" straight shave except the (for me) tricky area below the jawline - and no blood spilled. Point of no return is reached and passed! Thanks for your useful and encouraging advices in this thread!

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That's excellent news!