Thread: My first week

I just recieved a solinger best quality col. Ichabod conk (recklessly long name) for graduating. I've been keen on shaving with a straight for quite some time now, so got to reading a few posts and thought I knew what I was getting in to. I didn't. I had a month old beard, because I had just given up on shaving. I would always get horrible burn and ingrown hairs.
Day 1 I stropped the blade for a bit, made what I now know is a horrible excuse for a lather, and started down my right side. After that I put the razor in my left hand and lifted it to my face, I was way too scared to shave lefty seeing as I barely trust my left hand with hot coffee. So I shaved with relitively no vision down the left side. My shave was absolutely perfect. It wasn't smooth by any means, but there was no razor burn or bumps or any number of horrible things I used to get with my multi blade razors. Personally I think a little stubble looks alright.
Day 2 I was even more excited and couldn't wait to tackle my cheeks. The shave went great again, and I was still using a very dry lather. I tried shaving with my left hand, and had success. All the rest of the day I couldn't wait to shave again.
Day 3 I took my chin down. I was pretty worried about the neck and chin with my left hand, but I did a good job, and my lather was definately improving as well.
Day 4 was my upper lip. I was extremely nervouse and almost didn't do it, it just seemed a little dangerous. I didn't want to end up with half a lip or something. To my surprise my shave was perfect, I felt amazing control with my blade, literally picking individual hairs and lobbing them off with ease.
Overall I am extremely impressed with this whole journey, I am worried I'm addicted though. I imagine shaving my head and eye brows. From other posts I read many people had a pulling type sensation, I didn't get much of this thankfully, and I don't see me using any other method of shaving for a while. Thank you guys for all your helpful posts.

Outstanding! Sounds like you got the bug now. Did you have your razor honed - or did it come from someone ready to go? I have the same Dovo Conk razor, and it makes a huge difference to have someone really get the blade ready.

Light pressure, and stretch your skin tight. I learned (and I am learning ) the hard way

Welcome to the obsession...

I didn't get it honed, I took it right out the box and got going. I will look into getting it honed though, thanks for the advise. I will also try the skin stretching thanks a bunch

Welcome. Its good to take your time and be patient.

Originally Posted by DLF

I didn't get it honed, I took it right out the box and got going. I will look into getting it honed though, thanks for the advise. I will also try the skin stretching thanks a bunch

If the razor provides smooth close shaves without any pulling or discomfort, don't bother sending out to be honed. The razor sounds like it is adequately sharp to get the job done.

It will be a night and day difference.

If you are not obsessed here, then I'm afraid you are a freak and certainly in the minority (of those actively posting at least).

Haha, that makes me feel much better about this addiction.