Thread: Day 1

The last of my stuff arrived yesterday and I decided to start in on my week of beard prep training today. Let's get started by saying that I'm usually one of those guys that never shaves on a day off or on vacations. For years I've been saying that once out of the army I'm gonna look like a member of ZZ Top. lol

Anyways, first thing I did was prep my brush by soaking it in warm water then washing it in shampoo and then conditioner just like I would my own hair since it had never been used before. I'm pretty sure it was in the wiki that I saw that this should be done. Anyways, after that, I tossed a little bit of hot water on the soap and hopped in the shower. While in there I made a point of scrubbing my face good with soap and used some conditioner on my face and let it sit there for 2 minutes before rinsing it off with really hot water. After that I dried off and tossed some Trumpers Skin Food on my beard. I then dumped a little bit of the water that was on top of the soap in my shaving mug along with a few drops of glycerin and then soaped up the brush. It took me a few tries to get a passable lather. Anyways, after that I just did a WTG pass, relathered the face, then ATG with the proglide, rinsed the face with cold water afterwards and applied some more Trumpers Skin Food. I'd have to say that just upgrading from shaving-gel-in-a-can to wet shaving products gave me the most comfortable, close shave I've ever had! I think once I can speed up the process of getting a decent lather I'll be ready to add the straight razor in there.

Great start. As you are discovering, prep and shaving cream set the foundation for a great shave.

When you add the straight, take it slow. If it hurts or becomes awkward, stop! I highly recommend shaving only the cheeks WTG for a couple of days while you adjust to the handling of the razor. It also might help to lather up and "shave" a couple of times this week with a butter knife to get the motions down.

I look forward to reading about your first straight razor shave. Your prep regimen looks fine.

Happy Shaving!

Great prep leads to a great shave. I shaved in the shower for years and sometimes I still do. I would highly recommend you not use a str8 in the shower, it can be dangerous. There are times I shave in the shower with a DE.

Good luck!!!

+1. The prep is really important to a good shave, as you've found out.

I do a double lather. I wash my face and scrub it in the shower, and make a loose lather while i'm in there. Then just before I get out, I rinse off and make a thick lather. While I towel dry, it sets up. Its the perfect amount of time for me. Then its off to the razor of the day.

+1 for prep work. Sounds like your on your way to a great first straight shave.

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