Hello Gents. My name is Todd and I am a straight razor newbie. Firstly, I would like to thank the SRP community for the resources made available here. You have made it rather easy to build a foundation of knowledge and understanding before jumping blindly into a potentially dangerous task. When I say blindly, I am being quite literal. In addition to being a newbie, I am also visually impaired, one hundred percent in fact. That said, I still downloaded and made use of Lynn's video, with the aid of my significant other. Well, after I set her straight on left/right mirror images. :
Yesterday, I received my newbie, starter kit. (Thanks T.M.) After finishing "The Art of the Straight Razor Shave A Basic Guide" by Christopher Moss, I decided to give it a go. Now my intent was to start small. I thought I would try a few strokes down my cheeks, starting at my sideburns and finishing after x amount of lacerations. I was unstoppable! With the exception of my upper lip and one small line along my chin bone, I shaved my entire face without a single cut. There were several moments when I stopped and backed off the stroke, where I was sure I was going to come away bloody, but to my surprise it did not occur. Now it was far from uneventful and being wrought with technical skill. I am sure my video if shot, would be shamefully hilarious.
Here is where I ask for your wisdom and feedback. Several things arose during my enthusiastic attempt. First is a question concerning lather. I had a lot of trouble with drying and sticking that slowed down the razor. I had to keep wetting my face and reapplying soap. I did add a little more water to the mix in my mug, but still found myself wetting my face with dabs of water. Second and biggest question has to do with razor burn. Before I was done and especially afterwards, I felt as though my face had been sand blasted. Actually, my neck is worse than my face. Now I already knew I have sensitive skin but I am certain I can minimize this through improved technique. I have a few ideas on where I need improvement; please chime in with your expertise. With my lathering difficulties, I think I probably did a bit of dry shaving, especially on my second pass against the growth. Also, do to over cautious concern and old habits; I probably did make far too many short strokes.
All in all, I am very pleased with my first attempt, and am confident that with a little guidance and practice, I will master this method. This pleases me to no end, for I am very tired of supporting the shaving industry and polluting the environment in this fashion.