Thread: First SE shave... so-so

Hi all,

After shaving with a DE for 2 years, I finally worked up the courage to get a SE and start shaving. I was really excited and couldn't wait to start (maybe a little too excited). I got a shave ready Dovo 6/8 hollow to start. I decided to strop the blade after wiping down the oil and already nicked the strop. I tried rolling on the spine but kept lifting the blade from time to time. Again, I was too excited. After going through my routine (shower, exfoliate, soak brush), I started to shave. Right away I started to feel a little bit of a tug. The blade sort of skipped along my skin. I thought maybe it was the soap (Geo Trumper) so I added some shaving cream. Same thing. Then i went all cream. At one small point, it felt smooth, but that quickly went back to the "skipping". My excitement turned into frustration. The shave was ok in some areas. I know this will need practice but I couldn't understand why the tugging. Not sure if the lather wasn't good, or my beard is too thick (hadn't shaved in a few days also) and should go with a half hollow or wedge? The angle of the blade to my face? I tried keeping the angle at about 30 to 45 degrees as much as possible. Any suggestions? I loved the process but would like a smoother shave. (Enjoying Jonny Walker Gold label as I type. Saved it for after my first SE shave)