Thread: Newbie f/t Dark Side

Well, shave #2 is in the can. Funny thing, I started out more nervous this time than the first. Maybe stropping for the first time gnawed at my confidence a little, more on that in a bit. I used more water with my soap, as per your' advice, and got a better lather. First pass with, second pass against, with some cross along the mandible toward the chin. Face is baby bottom soft, even did the top lip this time. Less razor burn than the first time, but still a couple of hot spots In fact, in the two hottest spots, I've managed to raise up a very small whelp in each spot. I also knicked the round, fleshy part left of the cleft in my chin. I'm sure my technique leaves something to be desire. I managed to hold the razor open at the 270 degrees for the first pass work, but once I get to second pass, I find myself contorting. I actually opened it up straight to go against the growth on my neck. I definitely feel like a newbie. In fact, I might be able to use a mentor.
This brings me to stropping. After reading numerous posts here, I realize that I should get a hanging strop ASAP. Currently I have the four-sided paddle strop. I'm not real sure if there is a recommended position for which to hold it. Somebody said something about a phonebook on a table, so that's what I tried. Then I tried holding it directly in front of me as well as to the side. Depending on where I held it, the angle of the paddle changed. I began tracing an X. I led with the spine, and went from heel to tip. I would flip the razor, push it up so as to start my return part of x with heal again. I notice several things that I need to correct. On the push forward, I'm having some difficulty keeping it flat, and rock some from tip to heel. On the return stroke is when I am prone to lift the spine. I managed to correct this one relatively quickly by easing up on my thumb pressure. I sometimes lose continuity, lifting the razor off the strop, especially at the end of the return stroke. I did manage some good sequences, and thank goodness, I don't think I messed up Tony's work. I did still get a very smooth shave.
I am wondering if I should get a camera to augment my skype. Then hook up with one of you chaps to set me straight, so to speak. That or find someone local who might be interested in being a part-time mentor. I know I've seen at least one other member from North Carolina. If anybody in the Raleigh area might be interested, send me a pm.

Toddo,

Let me make a recommendation on the hanging strop. Get a wide one 3"plus.
I have one I got from classic shaving and you do not have to do the X pattern. Its just up and down spine leading. I shave in the AM and since I am not a morning person I wanted somthing I would not have to think too much to use. I also believe Tony Miller has some wide strops (wellshavengentleman).

Well done on the shave and keep us updated on y progress.

Toddo, I find that unfomfortable or insecure hand positioning is the no 1 cause of cuts for me.
When you shave S-N against the grain you usually switch hand positioning. Check out the Lynn video again, and have it described to you by somebody. At the end, he does a second pass on the neck, and this is where you need to change the grip. I believe Chris Moss demonstrates the different grips as well.

Hang in there, Toddo

Redwoood

Toddo,

In terms of shaving, you're way ahead of me so I can't give you any advice there.

But as for the camera to use with skype, you may be able to avoid any additional cost there. I just use my videocam and have put quite a few people onto this "trick". If you only intend to do video conferencing irregularly, it is easier to connect your handycam (or borrow one from friends or family) than go through the hassle of shopping for a dedicated webcam.

Hope that saves you enough for a hanging strop or similar

Cheers
omniphile

Unbelievable, I never thought my face could possibly get any smoother without removing a layer of skin. Of course, that is exactly what I am doing, flaying my face with a straight razor. Still, I administered no nicks or cuts again this time. Plenty of sensitivity/razor burn as usual. I’m not sure if this is do to my relentless approach, poor technique, my sensitive skin, or all the above. Even so, I think that if I am doomed to repeat the sensitivity indefinitely, I am still converted to this method of shaving.

What kind of shaving cream were you using?

Congratz on no cuts. Its good progress

If you are able, give your face a day off between shaves once or twice this week. It's amazing how much additional healing will take place.

If you're anything like me, it took my skin about two weeks of straight razor shaving to adjust. Each time I changed my approach to attack problem spots...i.e. got more aggressive...there was another adjustment period. If you're getting good smooth shaves and not cutting yourself to shreds, I'd say you're on the right track.

If you can't take a day off of shaving, try a one-pass shave occasionally. It will give your face a break, but still give you a shave comparable to an electric.

Cheers,
Ed

You are an inspiration to me, Toddo! Your experience reminds me of an interview that I saw on TV years ago with Eric Hoffer, The Longshoreman Philosopher. He had lost his sight for a couple years as a young man, and said that even when he regained it, he preferred shaving in the dark. I wish I could remember the details on this.

The sharper your razor the fewer cuts you'll experience. I have had skin trouble for years whatever way of wet shaving I used. Even electric shaving irritated. My skin has always tolerated straight razor shaving best. Eventually I guess my skin "matured". I prefer shaving cream for sensitive skin. Cheap & cheerful are those made for sensitive skin by Gilette and Palmolive, the latter with added lanolin. They have less perfume added and the smell might put you off but the shave is better. Putting a facial cream on the skin before the lather, and after shave without alcohol have always helped me a lot.

Whats the big deal, I shave with my wifes eyes closed all the time.
On the serious side, I like to here about someone that has real focus and does what others say can't or shouldn't be done. A "man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." keep it up sir.

With true admiration

Rexj