Today I received my very first straight razor. One word: Thrilled. Being as I have to be up for PT at 0530, (because it had nothing to do with being anxious to lather up) I decided to shave tonight.
So I open the case of the Dovo Grey Bone from SRD, and smile, again. Then I do what I think most noobs with a pro-honed razor from SRD do, albeit secretly, I try the HHT. No luck. Tinge of frustration. I think one of two things: either the great Army Postal Service (MPS) has beaten the blade to death (shake fist), or I know very little, and the people at SRD have mountains of experience where I have... ummm a Youtube video or two worth. I chalk it up to the second. [I am aware that the HHT doesn't always work with all hair types]
So I strop. First on the Dovo less expensive strop I have had hanging around the bathroom for a week, taunting me no doubt. Confidence fades. Despite my practice with a butter knife I have yet to tune in the 'X' form of stropping. I keep asking myself; is it slide the razor on its spine, or do only one leg of the 'X'? So I do what every Noob shoudln't and I reach for the SRD Strop (Type IV, 3") that came with my Dovo. No 'X', so much better. I take each stroke with good pace, but a lingering pause at the top and bottom because I am terrified to hack it to pieces. (By the way, I win, no nicks).
Hot towel steams over a sandwich of my face, whiskers, and shaving cream. I take the moment to wonder how in the world someone wears a hot towel and strops their razor at the same time, because I can only see too much gravity here. Then I lather up again. Here it comes.
My angle is all wrong, I know this from the first stroke. It is by no means bad sliding the razor across my face, but not skilled. Wanting to be perfect at everything is not a crime, as long as you realize its more a fun thought than reality. I forge on.
Did I say no nicks earlier, I should have said the strop was luckier than me. Here I am, watching razor, watching edge of blade, paying attention... oww! Yes, there is a point on this bad boy, my ear has fully informed me. I fold blade in its scales, set it down, grab the magic pencil, quell the blood. I know your all thinking the same thing I did; this is why you switch hands when you shave. Lesson learned.
I did two WTG passes. Nothing to post on a billboard. Not yet anyway. Still the feeling of accomplishment is rank among the smell of suds, aftershave, and face cream. I learned a lot. I see the long winding road. I am excited.
Celebrated with a glass of Riesling, and the smooth pull of Cavendish in the German night air.
Now if I could just get this angle, switch hands, strop, lather, hone, paste, BSS thing down I will be set.
~Lefty