Thread: Third Shave

Third shave WTG sides and neck only and stopping myself before nicking myself this time. Finally exercising a little self control. I noticed however that I naturally used my good hand on both sides before realizing that I forgot to switch hands. Perhaps this is better for me or I should force myself to switch?

In the end the shave was not close at all as I concentrated on using a single spine width angle but at least the styptic stick stayed in its case this time. Will stick with this approach until I have a few dozen shaves under my belt before increasing the angle or attempting around the mouth and chin.

Grats, sounds like you are doing great. There's so much talk about the great shaves that sometimes it is easy to forget that straight razor shaving is a skill that takes practice to master. Getting BBS from long sweeping strokes is not realistic for most of us, and beard reduction is the logical way to proceed. You are focusing on technique, and your face will thank you. BBS will come naturally as you progress. In the meantime, keep warding off that styptic pencil
Good going!

it is very satisfying when you make progress and closer shaves will come. I had a Ah Ha moment this morning that may help you. Everything written here on SRP is an immense help and many of us newbs take them as gospel and rules to run with. Things like changing hands, strokes and so on. But I think as rookies we should approach them as guidelines not rules. today I had my best shave to date with a razor I was about ready to junk. I paid super close attention to angle and no pressure but as far as paths and hands it was a little of this and little of that. But it worked! Use all this as guides but learn your face and your growth.

Now having said that I will probably lop off an ear tomorrow or something stupid

Don't even think about BBS or especially close shaves until you have 20 shaves under your belt. Until then, your attempts to get really close will just cause nicking and razor burn.

As for the opposite hand, I would give it a shot. It scared me to death when I tried it, but it is surprising how quickly your skills develop. Remember not to actually use the left (opposite) hand to shave. Just hold the razor with that hand and do the downstroke by pulling down smoothly with your arm. Just use your off hand to hold the razor at first, not to manipulate it. That will come in time.