Clock is ticking!!!

In the next 2 hours I am going to have my very first straight razor shave... I was very confident until now... But maybe some nerves are a good thing... Today all my orders turned up... From the razor itself to the razor stand, brush stand, Norton waterstones, shaving soap, new shaving brush (super badger hair). Even spending 1 whole week picking out a leather razor travel case and leather brush travel case. You might say i have the BUG! The razor I purchased is the Dovo all stainless steel...

I made sure this was shave ready... But not manufacturers shave ready, but PRO honemeister ready...

I was confident in making such a big investment because even with possible failure today, I will become half decent at this type of shaving... (well I hope to)

After three months of research the day has come... I never thought I would ever be nervous about shaving. ( Not my beard area anyway)

I have also purchased a very cheap Chinese made straight razor, (GOLD DOLLAR) to practise my honing skills... Or lack of...

So many on Youtube make it look so easy and yet I know im going to struggle... But naturally ease comes with experience...

Anyway 2 hours from now and hopefully I will have found a true pleasure in the art of straight razor shaving...

Oh and very quickly... During my research many members on SRP were looking for metal shaving soap containers... (Aluminium Stainless steel etc...) A great site for this:
Ampulla Ltd Online Cheshire UK- Plastic, Aluminium and Glass Storage Containers - Water butts and Bottles

Site Search, Aluminium Jars.

Good luck to you, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

I was nervous for my first as well. You'll do great, just remember the basics.

Congrats! Now don't be discouraged if the shave doesn't come out that good, the first straight shave can be rough, no matter how much you prepared for it.
It's hard, but that's half the fun!

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Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I was nervous for my first as well. You'll do great, just remember the basics.

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My first shave was--well shall we say unnerving. I'm not ashamed to say that the first few times shaving the neck I was scared to death! I used to help my uncle butcher hogs and visions of those stuck hogs with their jugular vein pouring out blood were vivid!

Now, the routine is just a matter of doing it, all the while keeping a watchful eye out and being careful! I love it! I look forward to getting a shave every day, even my days off!

Wow Oh Wow... That really is a steep learning curve... It was also a record 40min shave...
However it was nothing but encouraging for me.

A few nicks here and there, but on the whole a good shave to look at, but not great to the touch...

My hat is off to you veterans that make it look so easy.

I am embarrassed to admit that I was one of those that got sucked into believing that 5 blades are better than one... I was wrong and can see the potential...

Like a child, I now can't wait till my next shave!

Sounds like you did quite good!


I did my 100th straight shave today. Felt like second nature, and sitting here with quite a nice BBS.
Shortly, you'll be there as well! :)

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Originally Posted by ee82

Like a child, I now can't wait till my next shave!

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Before I found the wonderful world of straight razor shaving, for all of my adult life,I NEVER EVER Shaved on my days off or vacation! I've shaved each and every day for about two years with the exception of two days camping this last August. I tent camp and couldn't bring myself to pack the extra equipment and I also worried about being able to take care of my razor and strop in those conditions.

It sounds like you had a good experience! Congratulations!

Also, I'd like to welcome you to the Friendliest, Most Helpful and Informative Site on the Web!

I've made some good friends here! I hope you will too! These are a Great Bunch of Guys!

Gute Rasur /glatte Rasur, mein Bruder der Klinge

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Roy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Before I found the wonderful world of straight razor shaving, for all of my adult life,I NEVER EVER Shaved on my days off or vacation! I've shaved each and every day for about two years with the exception of two days camping this last August. I tent camp and couldn't bring myself to pack the extra equipment and I also worried about being able to take care of my razor and strop in those conditions.

It sounds like you had a good experience! Congratulations!

Also, I'd like to welcome you to the Friendliest, Most Helpful and Informative Site on the Web!

I've made some good friends here! I hope you will too! These are a Great Bunch of Guys!

Gute Rasur /glatte Rasur, mein Bruder der Klinge

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Roy

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Roy, I'll beat that. I never really shaved my entire life. I had to on occasion, but not even for weddings. That being said, I'm sad to report that tomorrow you will see me with a three day growth. Aside from the random event I will shave all the time. I don't need to, my adviser hasn't shaved since he graduated from high school. Have a good drive.

ee82: great job, your mindset is the reason you will succeed at this hobby. have fun.

Welcome, and congratulations on finding one of the hobbies that you can truly enjoy each and every day. I got off to a very quick start myself, and want to both encourage and warn you. You will have some very good shaves, and probably a few setbacks that make you question what you're doing. If you've every played golf, it's a very similar feeling - some frustrating moments, but enough great ones to keep you coming back for more. No matter how much you think you know, keep experimenting and perfecting, and you'll be thrilled with how much you learn and improve. I'm just starting to delve into the honing world, and I can tell you as a serial hobbyist, you can keep going down this rabbit hole for quite some time. Enjoy, and good luck.