Thread: My Maiden Voyage

My maiden voyage into the depths of the straight razor shaving began today; thanks Santa.

Leading up to this I read, watched, mentally practiced and rehearsed face and brush preparation, lathering procedures, pressure, razor angles, first and second runs, post shave methodologies and of course blade drying and stropping. But nothing equals the maiden voyage.


After preparation and lathering, I applied the blade. Slowly and patiently I stroked my skin, removing lather but not much else. So I moved to the other cheek hoping for something different but getting the same result. Damn! I forgot the razor angle! So I grabbed the badger, re-lathered, applied metal to skin and-there it is! The sound that replicates velcro being pulled apart.


I stifled my excitement and continued down the cheeks, then up wanting to save the best for last. You see, during my Gillette Mach 4 days, shaving the neck and chin was a breeze and most enjoyable. “Simmer down big guy” I thought to myself. You’re a straight razor man now. So I approached them with caution and found that the ease and delight I once experienced might take a bit more time with this new tool of mine.


I am a results-oriented person. I need some level of gratification, while not instantaneous, rather quick. So imagine my surprise when, after two passes on the neck and chin I decided to enter into my post shave routine and call it a day hoping that tomorrow I might become more comfortable with the straight razor, and I too will experience the satisfaction that so many on this site offer each day.


My first run was great. I experienced a closeness, comfort and a level of satisfaction that I never had before while shaving. As for the neck and chin, I’ll read some more and watch another video. I’ll learn to pull the skin and use various parts of the razor to reach certain nooks. As for the lesson learned during Shave One; patience is critical, less pressure means a closer shave and straight edge shaving is a journey not a chore, and should be enjoyed.

You're off to a good start. Welcome to the fraternity!

. . Charles

Your last sentence provides good points for all beginners:

-patience is critical
-less pressure means a closer shave
-straight shaving is a journey, not a chore
-and should be enjoyed.

Excellent words! Look forward to more of your posts.

Originally Posted by AndyPic

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I am a results-oriented person. I need some level of gratification, while not instantaneous, rather quick. So imagine my surprise when, after two passes on the neck and chin I decided to enter into my post shave routine and call it a day hoping that tomorrow I might become more comfortable with the straight razor, and I too will experience the satisfaction that so many on this site offer each day.

You will gain confidence with the razor within 5-6 shaves . You will have mastered the basic shaving stroke . After around 10 shaves , you will feel like you've really getting good with the razor . You may experience a zen-like state as you deftly maneuver the razor around your face . This is when you are most likely to give yourself a nasty cut , and find out how sharp that razor really is , and how little you really know . If you keep at it , and learn from your mistakes , you will be rewarded with the best shaves you've ever had . You won't want to shave with anything but a straight razor . At least , that was my experience . YMMV

Good to see I wasn't the only one that Santa brought a straight razor to this weekend! I have to say I agree with all your points here, especially about patience. I ran into a few difficulties with my first shave just a few days ago as well, but with some research and practice I'm sure I can improve my technique.

And you are right about the sound- as a fellow first-timer, the sound of the razor on my beard was awesome!

Originally Posted by dave5225

You will gain confidence with the razor within 5-6 shaves . You will have mastered the basic shaving stroke . After around 10 shaves , you will feel like you've really getting good with the razor . You may experience a zen-like state as you deftly maneuver the razor around your face . This is when you are most likely to give yourself a nasty cut , and find out how sharp that razor really is , and how little you really know . If you keep at it , and learn from your mistakes , you will be rewarded with the best shaves you've ever had . You won't want to shave with anything but a straight razor . At least , that was my experience . YMMV

That's what happen to me. I thought that the sceptic pencil was never going to be used. Now, I have the scar to show for it. It's healing, but the razor demand respect and it will let you know when is about to bite. I still have confidence, after the fourth week of starting, but when I get to difficulties, I back down, finish with DE, and try again next time. Double O

Originally Posted by Double0757

That's what happen to me. I thought that the sceptic pencil was never going to be used. Now, I have the scar to show for it. It's healing, but the razor demand respect and it will let you know when is about to bite. I still have confidence, after the fourth week of starting, but when I get to difficulties, I back down, finish with DE, and try again next time. Double O

That's the best way to do it . Don't push it , your technique will improve with every shave .

Originally Posted by dave5225

That's the best way to do it . Don't push it , your technique will improve with every shave .

THIS

I'm only a few shaves in, and had such great results with my first few WTG single pass shaves that I decided to go for that BBS shave and do additional passes. Bad idea. Tore my neck up pretty good ending up with some razor burn and a few ingrowns. Lesson learned!!