The time has come....

[BigTerp]

After months of reading, watching, reading, watching etc. I'm finally about to begin my straight razor journey. Just got delivery conformation of my sight unseen deal from Larry at Whipped Dog. I've been practicing my lathering and beard prep for the last week or so and using my Mach III in the meantime, as well as ordering a ridiculous amount of stuff before I even had my hands on a razor. Have a nice 3 day growth to mow down this evening. As long as my carotid and jugular stay out of the way, I'll be back to report.

[Lazarus]

Good luck. I'm sure you have carefully read and reread this: First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

As that excellent article points out it is not recommended that you try to shave your entire face the first time you shave with a straight razor. Just ease into. Trying to do too much too soon is s good way to get frustrated.

[BigTerp]

Thanks Lazarus!! Yeah, I've been over that part of the Wiki several times, as well as just about every other part of this site it seems. I'll try not to get to far ahead of myself this evening and just enjoy the ride.

Also got delivery conformation of a styptic pencil I ordered several weeks ago. Not sure what took so long. My Thayers cucumber witch hazel and other odds and ends I oredered at the same time were already delivered. Just in time though, I guess.

[PensacolaTiger]

Here's hoping the need for that styptic pencil is minimal, if at all.

[mcgyver74]

Good luck! Take it slow and enjoy the ride

[AFDavis11]

Three day growth might be more suited to greater experience. Try just one day next time (skipping a day). But it might work ok too.

[cristal]

Good luck!
Still no sign of him, perhaps that carotid got a hit

[BigTerp]

Good luck!
Still no sign of him, perhaps that carotid got a hit

Ha

Went really well actually. I'm sure you all will give me hell, but I ended up doing my entire face (i wear a goatee) left hand and all. Only had a few weapers on the left side of my neck. Had some occasional tugging and pulling, but I'm sure that was 80% technique and 20% crappy lather. Did just one pass WTG and overall I'm really happy with my first shave. Ended up with a teeny tiny nick on my strop. Stropping was actually more awkward than shaving. Go figure.

As far as the 3 day growth goes, I typically can get away with an every other day shave schedule. Shaving everyday with a cartridge was WAY to irritating. I knew my razor was coming today so I didn't want to shave yesterday and then go back at it the next day with a straight. Maybe once I get the straight down, everyday will be easier on my face. I'm assuming some of the pulling and tugging I was experiencing was partly due to the 3 day growth as well?? Looking forward to my next shave!!!

[BigTerp]

Face feels AWESOME this morning. Zero razor burn and the area under my jawline and around my adams apple feels better than it ever has following a shave. I typically get a few ingrown hairs and/or razor burn in that area when using my cartridge, but have absolutely non of that this morning. Main reason I typically only shaved every 2nd or 3rd day. That alone is reason enough to be switching to a straight!!!

[Lazarus]

Glad you are getting good results out of the gate. Don't let those results lead you to too many passes too soon or too much pressure. Focus on very light pressure, comfortable shaves and BBS will come. Focusing on the ultimate smooth shave too soon will likely lead to razor burn and other undesirable outcomes.