Straight Razor 1, Face 0

[tkpeebles]

Just finished my first attempt at straight razor shaving. I say attempt because I can't really count it at a "shave". I had to go back afterwards and clean everything up with a 10 cent bic. I can certainly see how the learning curve on this is pretty big. I can say however, that this first attempt will Not be my last. I will definitely read up a little more and watch a few more videos before the next round.

Since I found this forum, I've read many post about other first attempts with straight razor shaving (some good, some bad). All I know is that I've never experienced anything like it. It hurt like hell and, to be honest, it was pretty brutal. I managed a nice little slice under my nose and one on the jawline, along with a couple other nicks here and there. I am proud to say that I tried. I know that there are many that never made it that far. Hats off to those that stayed with this until you became "good". I can only hope that, one day, I join your ranks.

Skål
Tyler

[itsmrbrooks]

Just finished my first attempt at straight razor shaving. I say attempt because I can't really count it at a "shave". I had to go back afterwards and clean everything up with a 10 cent bic. I can certainly see how the learning curve on this is pretty big. I can say however, that this first attempt will Not be my last. I will definitely read up a little more and watch a few more videos before the next round.

Since I found this forum, I've read many post about other first attempts with straight razor shaving (some good, some bad). All I know is that I've never experienced anything like it. It hurt like hell and, to be honest, it was pretty brutal. I managed a nice little slice under my nose and one on the jawline, along with a couple other nicks here and there. I am proud to say that I tried. I know that there are many that never made it that far. Hats off to those that stayed with this until you became "good". I can only hope that, one day, I join your ranks.

Skål
Tyler

No guts no glory! Sorry to hear that it wasn't the most enjoyable shave you've ever had, but I don't think anyone really has "the best shave of my life" experience their first go 'round.

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ead-first.html. And remember that when you're starting, low angle, low pressure, slow pace.

Good luck!

[BenjamanBarker]

Congrats on having the guts to start!!! I will say my first shave was with a shavette and I got myself real good with a 2.5" slice across my lower jaw line! As they say "it gets better" stick with it and every shave will get a little better! Read the Wiki and watch some YouTube and you'll be glad you made the switch!!! Welcome!

[Omega1975]

Congrats are in order good or bad shave . The fact that you did it and are willing to keep trying tell someone like me that you will get a great shave and probably sooner than u think. The best advice I can offer you as a fello nubee that has gotten a number of great shave under my belt is ...Practice stropping, its imperative to a good shave. Prep your beard the best you can with what ever you have access to. And last, stretch your skin as you make your passes.
Oh and one more thing, the most important thing of all is make sure that you are using a truly shave ready straight that has been honed by a professional.
Keep it up ! Good luck and Good Shaving!

[Zoomy]

Tyler, I like you straight razored the first time today. I feel the burn too! This web site is awesome. If you dig you can read scores of narratives just like ours in here. It is helpful to read about other guys' experiences. It likely will not shorten the learning curve but at least we know what to expect. Good luck.
Mike

[regularjoe]

Ahh, well there's your problem. Your face shouldn't be competing against a straight razor. The face, and the razor should be cooperating so that the whiskers will lose.
Quick list of things to think about:
Who sharpened the razor? I don't need the name, but if it was you, that might pose a problem, friend.
How many videos did you watch, and were they of straight shaving veterans, or straight shaving noobs? New guys post videos of their firsts all the time, and that's not good technique to be learning from.
Do you know the difference between 20, 45, and 75 degrees? Not trying to be a smart alec, but some guys don't. It's gonna be important to know if you're sticking with it.
Even a bad shave shouldn't hurt! If the blade is hurting you, something isn't right with the edge. A properly sharpened edge will cut you good, but it'll do it with very little pain.
Then again, I could be wrong, I've never made a cut like Bens talking about.

Last thing to think about: Isn't it gonna be awesome in two weeks when you can shave your face with a tool your great grandfather used? I'm stoked!

PS: I don't need answers to any of those things. They're all just things to consider in your beginning days. I've only got about 4 months on ya. I'm no expert in any of it, except maybe accumulation. I'm awesome at that part.

[mav13]

Hey Tyler

Welcome to SRP. I have been at it for a few months and all I can say slowly with each shave you get better. However I do advise you not to shave your whole face to begin with. Start from sideburn down to jaw line first. Try just the left side (if you are a righty). Then after a few attempts switch hand and do the other side (or do it with you dominant hand still)

Meanwhile your technique improves all the time as well as your pre shave prep.

Stick with it buddy

[tkpeebles]

Thanks for your comments and great advice! I am glad you are all out there to share your thoughts and help me get into this the right way. I do have a question about the razor.
I had it honed by a gentlemen that has a cutlery business close to where I work. I don't know the man and had never met him prior to today. He claimed that he had honed several razors from time to time and had never had one brought back. He also said that he hadn't honed one in a while and that if I had any problems, he would be more than happy to take another look at it. When I shaved earlier, I noticed a good amount of tugging and sticking. I examined my angle and noticed I was a bit high. I decreased the angle and ,though it glided more smoothly, it didn't cut as well. I have read not to be quick to blame the blade and that it's probably technique (which I know is terrible), but how would I know that the razor is where it needs to be?
Thanks again.
Skål
Tyler

[SirStropalot]

+1 on regularjoe's post. A few questions if you dont mind and I think the SRP community can help get you to where you want to be. What kind of razor do you have? If new, was it a factory edge usually labeled as shave ready, or was it honed shave ready by a pro? If old, was it, or did you hone it? Do you have and did you strop it? Based on these I'm sure technique and prep will follow. Don't get disillusioned by the first attempt, it will get better and you'll end up loving the learning curve. We all have our scars and first attempts and I think look back fondly upon them. It'll get fun!! Hang in there!!

Best Regards,

Howard

Edit: You were typing at the same time I was. You were faster!

[Omega1975]

Thanks for your comments and great advice! I am glad you are all out there to share your thoughts and help me get into this the right way. I do have a question about the razor.
I had it honed by a gentlemen that has a cutlery business close to where I work. I don't know the man and had never met him prior to today. He claimed that he had honed several razors from time to time and had never had one brought back. He also said that he hadn't honed one in a while and that if I had any problems, he would be more than happy to take another look at it. When I shaved earlier, I noticed a good amount of tugging and sticking. I examined my angle and noticed I was a bit high. I decreased the angle and ,though it glided more smoothly, it didn't cut as well. I have read not to be quick to blame the blade and that it's probably technique (which I know is terrible), but how would I know that the razor is where it needs to be?
Thanks again.
Skål
Tyler

Send it out for proper Honing from one of the pros here at SRP you can check out the vendor section to find em all. I have had several honed by lynn and a couple by maximilian its money well spent. Im not sure your guy has experience with straights it may just be another blade to him . They are very different animals. when it comes to straight razors I would go wit someone who has honed thousands literal not just a few.