Thread: Sucessful First Shave

Final piece to my set up arrived today, that being my W&B razor I had sent out for honing. Needless to say I have been anxiously awaiting this day and couldn't wait to finally give it ago. Pre shave entailed a hot shower with an ex-foliating avocado scrub from lush. Lather consisted of Arabian spice and cedar from Bald Frog Soaps which was supplied by fellow member Mastershake. Whipped up a fine lather and away I went.

As advised I started with WTG small strokes from side burn to cheek. Razor glided through with no problems so I decided to continue. Easily shaved my cheeks and most of my neck. There were a few times I felt the razor stopping a bit so airing on the side of caution I would stop and try again with a slightly different angle. Next I moved to the other side and switched hands which really wasn't all that awkward seeing how I am ambidextrous. Again things went smoothly so I continued the whole side ending at my chin.
Again since it had gone so well up to this point I gave my chin, neck and lip a shot. This definitely did not go as easily as the other spots and I can tell this is going to take some time. I did manage to get somewhat of shave in these areas but no where near what it should be.
I was having so much fun I decided to lather up the cheeks again and did an XTG pass on both sides. I was amazed at how easy and natural this felt. In fact I'd go so far as to say it was actually more comfortable than my first WTG passes. I was equally amazed at the end result being a damn near BBS shave in those areas. At this point I felt my hands getting a little shaky so I had to bust out the proglide and finish up the chin lip and under chin neck areas.

All in all I feel it was a great success. Had two minor nicks on the chin and lip which obviously should have never happened, what can I say I was having so much fun I didn't want to stop. Definitely learned a few things to try differently next time, ie.. a little more water in the lather, not attempting the chin and lip etc.. Although when I do attempt the chin next time I'm wondering if going XTG may be easier seeing how naturall it felt in the other areas.

I can tell all ready I'm going to love the up coming shaves and can't wait for the day my cartridge is retired for good! Now I just wish my hair would grow faster!

You have already experienced one of the fundamentals of straight shaving - you had FUN
That is half the battle right there.
Glad you are having sucesses with the fun as well.
Keep us all posted as things get better

You're off to a great start! Keep us posted!

It's good you strted with a "shave ready" razor, you can be turned off to straight shaving with a dull razor!

A dreaded chore has become something I look forward to since I started straight razor shaving. I hope this lasts!

Originally Posted by episaacs

A dreaded chore has become something I look forward to since I started straight razor shaving. I hope this lasts!

I hated shaving for 22 years, having to shave everyday being in the military.
Since I started straight razor shaving, I look forward to every shave! It hasn't lost it's enjoyment yet, and I doubt it will!!!!

Yeah can't imagine it ever seeming like a chore, now if we could some how come up with a way to make ironing this enjoyable life would damn near perfect! Sadly I'm afraid that will never happen.