Thread: The zen of cuthroat , my first shave !

So after plenty of research on the net and asking for advise from Jim of Vintage Blades LLC., the members of SRP and watching lynn's video I finally put my first real shave kit together. I call it the "Zen of cuthroat". It consists of a Thiers Issard Le Grelot 5/8 with cocobolo scale from Vintage Blades , Rooney Shaving Brush, Style 3, Medium, "Best Badger",Hart Steel Straight Razor and Brush Stand & matching mug, A sample chunk of SRD's vanilla bourbon shave soap , Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil and last but not least a SRD 3" Premium IV English Bridle Strop.
The last of those Items arrived today at about 11:30 am and my journey began soon after.
I began with a hot shower during which I softened my beard with my wife's hair conditioner. Once finished I hopped out dried myself off and rubbed on a few drops of the pre shave oil. Next I began to make my lather. The SRD soap is great it lathered up quickly and was thick, rich and smelled great! Once that was done I laid a hot towel over my face and let it sit for a minute or two , removed it , lathered up my face and repeated with the hot towel once more. Once I removed the towel for the Final time I began to lather up my face generously.
The moment had finally come. I was no longer nervous or anxious just eager. I knew it was going to happen and I wanted it bad. I was going to lose my virginity!
I picked up my TI , opened it slowly ,gripped it properly and admired its simple beauty as well as it complicated aura of delicate power and I began...I started with The side burns WTG as instructed. My TI sliced through the hairs of my beard smoothly and without hesitation, like a samurai sword decapitating hundreds of its enemies with a single stroke. I repeated this movement but adjusted my angle a bit when I shaved the rest of my cheek. Moving on to the other side I kept my blade in my right hand against lynns advise. In the future I will switch to the left but it felt so comfortable I decided to stick with it . Success ! Side two was now finished. my neck was next, this was a bit of a challenge but with close attention to my angle the challenge was met admirably . As I lathered up for my second pass I realized that I had suffered no nick's. I was proud of myself and my blade.
The second pass went smoothly as the first with just a bit of a nic on my neck when I crossed a pimple. I was not confident enough to detail my goatee with my straight so I picked up my Mach 5 and finished it up with that. Needless to say the old Mach 5 felt like a stranger to me , I look forward to parting ways with it completely. I did not have any astringent so I used a cold towel in the same way I had used the hot one in preparation of the shave, slapped on some after shave balm rinsed my brush and mug , toweled down my TI and set it out to dry before Stropping it and putting it away.
This was a greater experience than I ever expected ! While my next shave may or may not be this perfect I will continue on this journey for as long as my steady hands will allow it. I wil perfect my technique and I will pass it on to my son.
Thank you to all of the members who helped me along the way even if you didn't know it. Newbee or senior member, If you posted here you helped!
I am anticipating my next shave like you would not believe! I attached an IMG of my kit below FYI

Good shaving my friends!

Congratulations on a great first shave! Just think, it only gets better and more rewarding.

I love success stories like yours. It helps counter the "blood and gore" stories that scare off beginners before they even start.

Great looking set up. It should give you many happy years of shaving. Let us know how you progress.

Omega, this is great!!! Really like your kit, and if you have more questions please ask. Best Regards and Happy Shaving, wildhog

Much appreciated gentlemen. Any advise on detail work around the goatee? Should I consider a small blade for that?

While a small width razor can certainly be useful in trimming around a goatee, it is not necessary. Use the tip or the heel of the razor up next to the goatee. You don't have to use the full length of the blade.

Sometimes, when I am doing real close work, I will hold the blade with both hands to get maximum control of the razor. YMMV.

Happy Shaving!

Great start and very nice write-up. It sounds like you are on the right track.

Congrats on your first. They will only get better.

Thanks for sharing.

Straights are excellent choice for maintaining beards and goatees. I have small blades and large blades, and haven't had a problem using either when I have worn a beard.

And I wouldn't worry too much about shaving with one hand. You can certainly try shaving ambidexterously, but in the end you have to make the decision based on what's comfortable for you. Please remember, there are no steadfast "rules" to break, so no one will be disappinted if you break them.

Have fun