Thread: 58 year old First Straight Razor Shave

I will be 58 in August and just had my first straight razor shave today. I have used a Shun kitchen knife a few times to get a feel of straight razor shaving. My first razor purchase was a Robert Williams 7/8 Square Point Quarter Hollow dressed in Mammoth Ivory. My second razor was a Robert Williams "The Purist". I have a full beard so I thought the Purist would be easier to maneuver around my beard. I purchased a 5/8 George Johnson 7 stars Sheffield 1/2 hollow as a learning tool. My first shave was successful, no cuts, nicks or weepers. I usually nick myself about 2 - 3 times a week using my DE slant.

I used both the Purist and the George Johnson. I was surprised at how good it felt to shave. I have always been a shower shaver, so this was a new experience to shave at a sink before showering. My lather was a little dry but I will fix that tomorrow.

I shaved both my neck area and cheeks with a single pass and finished in the shower with my DE. I have a thin mustache, so I have a small area to shave below my nose and had no problem with the 8/8 Purist. I actually liked the wider blade over the 5/8. I felt like I could see the blade easier to control shaving around my beard. I felt like I had more control than using a DE. I initially thought a 4/8 made more sense, but now I prefer a larger blade.

I hope I continue to have a good experience. I was planning on only using a straight only on weekends, but I might use a straight every day. I think I like the Japanese style razor better because of my beard. The grip felt more natural to me.

Many thanks to this forum, Edward Coyle, Bradley Gardner & Robert Williams for their help and recommendations.

Welcome. You have an admirable kit there.

I imagine you were like many of us. Never giving the shave much thought. Until now. Amazing how enjoyable this mundane duty can be, isn't it? I too used to be a shower shaver. One day going into work, looked at my reflection, seeing stubble. That was when I realized there must be a better way, and found it with the straight.

Enjoy the ritual, along with the learning process.

Welcome on board! It's never late to start straight razor shaving. Good luck!

Welcome to straight shaving, although it's a shame you had to start with crummy razors.

I started when I was 52 . I had also planned on using the straight only on the weekends , about a month later I threw my mach 3 in the trash . I've been shaving with straight razors for more than 4 years , now , and I'm still loving it .

So just a quick question on technique. How did you manage to hold the razor while supporting yourself in your walker?

Just kidding, i am 44 and just started 5-6 weeks ago too. Sounds like you have some nice blades and are off to a good start. Lots of good people here with great tips and the occasional bit of sarcasim thown in for comic relief.

Welcome

Mike,
I'm glad it worked out so well for you. Who knows, you might begin whittling a little more each time, and eventually be clean shaven. Just kidding. But, I no longer grow a winter beard, since finding all the fun stuff on this site.
Ed
quicknicker

I had my second shave on Sunday and just about as good luck as the first shave. I got a little bit of razor burn on my neck by trying to go ATG.

I finally nicked myself on my third shave. I was shaving under my nose by going in at 90º angle and slightly nicked myself. I am not used to going only two directions. With my DE razor I shave in four different directions. Can you ever shave from side to side on your neck or is it too difficult to move the razor in that direction?

Thanks,
Mike

Originally Posted by mikegeorge

I had my second shave on Sunday and just about as good luck as the first shave. I got a little bit of razor burn on my neck by trying to go ATG.

I finally nicked myself on my third shave. I was shaving under my nose by going in at 90º angle and slightly nicked myself. I am not used to going only two directions. With my DE razor I shave in four different directions. Can you ever shave from side to side on your neck or is it too difficult to move the razor in that direction?

Thanks,
Mike

Yes you can go side to side on your neck but it takes a bit of playing around to find the right position. This is still my area of struggle but it is getting better. The tips i was given and am getting some results from is if you doing right side turn your head to the left as far as possible, then either tuck your chin down as much as you can or point it up (depends on what works best for you). Then shave from ear into middle of neck.

Tip that wa shared on weekend was to open your mouth as wide as possible. this creates a flat spot that again you can go from ear to middle. Have not tried this one yet so can nto say how well it will work. But the theory is break it down into a series of small flat areas that you can work

Welcome to SRP and straight razor shaving. I, too, started at 57 and have been at it for about 9 months now. Straight shaving as turned what was a rushed chore into a luxurious ritural for me. However, I must confess I've gone through a couple of weeks where the razor and I have been fighting. The razor always wins.

Enjoy!