Thread: first straight shave

So I got my razor and strop the other day from Larry (whipped dog) and decided to give it a go today. first off I would like to say thank you to Larry. Awesome guy very helpful, we went back and forth through emails for a few days before i made my order. Two days later I had my razor in my hand. So back to my first shave. I was off from work today so that was good because it took me a long time to shave, a really long time. I have to admit once i was done it was the smoothest shave i've had in a long time. To top it off I nicked my self ONLY ONCE! It was awesome and I'm looking forward to getting better. My wife even enjoyed how soft and smooth my face felt. I wasn't as nervous as i thought i would be. With more practice I hope I can get it down a lot faster.

congratulations. sounds like you're off to an awesome start. what type of razor did you get? keep at it and it's sounds like you'll have it down in no time!

Grats on your maiden voyage!
Just the one nick sounds promising but be prepared for a few more along the way.
Dont worry about the time as that does come down with practice (lots of it).
Take your time and enjoy!

Nothing to it but to do it, Brother. Sounds like your first shave was a resounding success. Before long, it just becomes the way you shave and you'll even be able to do straight shaves on work days.

Congratulations on a much better first result than most.

Congrats on your first shave and it does sound like it was a complete success! I still remember my first straight shave 16 years ago. It took forever and I had two towels, one to wipe the blade and one to wipe the sweat from my forehead. The shave was terrible (looked like i used a spoon), took almost an hour (one pass) and I cut myself under my ear and man did that one hurt. But I was so proud I did it that the cut didn't faze me.

As said earlier, the nicks will probably continue, but hopefully not. Just don't worry about the amount of time it takes and try to rush. Rushing will only lead to unneeded mistakes. Take your time and enjoy your first shaves (you'll never forget them). Enjoy the hobby and best of luck!

Great man! Larry is simply awesome!

You've made your first step. Now the whole world of straight razor shaving is at your feet. Welcome, Good luck!

thanks everyone. I purchased a Henry Graves 9/16 that he had on his website along with the poor man strop