Thread: First Shave!

Well, I finally broke out my razor and gave it a shot! The right side is so much easier than the left. I did WTG left and right, a little neck and chin, but had to finish it off with the Mach-3. The right side was too easy, short strokes all the way down. Lynn's movie was a real help, I need to watch it a few more times especially the shave/hand hold portions. I never shaved with a soap and brush before so that was a real treat. I really like the minty pre-shave cream from Proraso!

I was going to turn on some soft music to keep me calm, but decided to have silence so I could hear the whiskers LOL

No blood is a good thing. Just need to learn to look at the left in the mirror, I'm a Mach-3 in the shower with no mirror guy moving to the straight razor in the mirror.

The wife is impressed, she actually let me rub my cheek against hers when she usually would say that I'm going to make her break out.

I'm sold on this! Thanks for all the advice and help you all provide.

Scott

Congrats on the first shave! Its good that you kept the area restricted to the cheeks and a bit of the neck until you get a better feel for the blade. Keep practicing and you'll get that left side to be just as smooth as your right. The chin can be tricky, you'll have to use trial and error to figure out what angle suits you there.

Good luck on your next shaves!

Nice to see you are starting slow and easing into it. Good idea to keep the mood 'chill' while you are shaving. I still like to have beer or a few sips of bourbon when I'm shaving for the calming effect (in moderation, of course). Never Ever straight shave when you are upset--you will regret, and it won't be a good experience. A big part of learning for me was figuring out how not to be nervous around that scary sharp piece of steel in my clumsy hands!

Proraso is on of my favorites, easy to lather, good creamy, cushion-y lather and like the menthol tingle-- good choice.

After a few months of practice you will be 10 times better and things will start to feel much more natural. Not to mention you will be on your way to carrying on an age old tradition that only a few folks you will ever meet possess the skills and knowledge to practice! Welcome to the club; the guys and gals here are genuinely good people just waiting to help you through it all (and look at pictures of your razors, hint,hint!)

+1 on the post, and kudos for passing the "wife cheek test!" That right there is confirmation alone that you've made a great decision to switch razors!

Like CrazyCloud said, in addition to never shaving when you're upset, I also recommend not shaving if you're rushed. There have been many a morning that I've looked forward to shaving, but was too rushed and had to put it off until the next day (or evening). Shaving with a straight is like reserving special time for YOU, to look your best and feel your best. If you're rushed, then you will overlook that fact, and also increase the chances of slicing yourself!

So make sure you aren't rushed, and that you're clear headed.....the results will reward you!

Welcome to the club!

Congrats! I'm only 4 shaves in and loving it. I wish you continued success.

Big, big 'Grats. After a taste of quality, its unlikely you'll go back. 10 mo into it, I'm really grumpy when I don't have time for a good str8 shave. I've only had to use the DE twice in that time. That was twice too many.

More congratulations!!

Give the left hand a try on the left side. You might find that easier, with practice, than reaching across.

I'm fresh to SR shaving too. Congratulations on first shave, just take your time, pay attention of what you're doing and shaves will go even better

Congrats! For both a good successful shave and for joining the world of straight razor shaving from the world of multi-blade rakes. I know for me, I actually look forward to shaving now, whereas before I dreaded it.