Beginner, shaving for three weeks

Hello SRP

I started straight razor shaving on Feb 1st. I have to say I will never go back to the regular razor again. I have shaved WTG and ATG. I've made a lot of happy mistakes and learned a lot in the last three weeks. I can almost go the entire shave without nicking myself (Chin is particularly hard for me). I really can't shave ATG as my technique is lacking very much and I get pretty good razor burn on my throat/upper lip so something I'm going to have to ease into.

I wanted to say thank you for all the help and articles on this subject as it's been a very enlightening experience. I never thought shaving was going to be very relaxing as before I use to do it right before work or with an electric razor on the way to work and it was more of a chore than anything.

Welcome in the club!

Welcome.

For the ATG pass, concentrate on ZERO pressure (If you think your pressure is too light, make it lighter) and go slow, take short strokes and pay attention and it will fall into place :)

So what razor did you get? :)

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Originally Posted by mcgyver74

Welcome.

For the ATG pass, concentrate on ZERO pressure (If you think your pressure is too light, make it lighter) and go slow, take short strokes and pay attention and it will fall into place :)

So what razor did you get? :)

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Dovo "Best Quality - Half Hollow", 6/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor

Bravo Ken!

Chin is tough for all of us when we learned. Keep going. Don't worry about BBS - just a smooth, comfortable shave.

When your edge needs touching up - pm me. No cost beyond postage.

Isn't it amazing how what used to be an annoying chore is now a hoot? The joy shows no sign of wearing off.

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Originally Posted by pinklather

Bravo Ken!

Chin is tough for all of us when we learned. Keep going. Don't worry about BBS - just a smooth, comfortable shave.

When your edge needs touching up - pm me. No cost beyond postage.

Isn't it amazing how what used to be an annoying chore is now a hoot? The joy shows no sign of wearing off.

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I appreciate it a lot thank you.

Yes, it is so very relaxing now. I'm 26 and my g/f just tells me shes with an old man (seeing how I get things prepared for shaving and wake up 30 mins-1 hr before work to enjoy my shave)

The hardest thing to figure out is what to do after the shave. I got an Alum block, Witchhazel, CF Lime Balm (I really like that stuff) and some Brute. I love the Balm but I do want to switch it up every once in a while and so I splash some Witchhazel/Rub alum block on my face and then hit it with some Brute. Reading the other threads it does kinda overwhelm you with what to try and get (as well as costly). I've ready about Clubman, Ogallala bay rum and a few others and just kinda get confused

The post shave routine is really a YMMV thing, you will have to experiment and find what is best for you. For me part of the fun is trying all the different aftershaves and balms etc.

MY post shave routine is as follows:

1) Alum Block
2) Cold Water Rinse
3) Pat Dry
4) Thayers Witch Hazel with aloe
5) Clubman Vanilla AS
6) ASB (Either AOS Lavender, or TH Grafton for now, waiting on more samples )


Many places offer sample packs of creams/balms you can try (Truefitt and hill for example)

Some are very expensive and some are a lot more reasonably priced :)

Hope this helps

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mcgyver74

The post shave routine is really a YMMV thing, you will have to experiment and find what is best for you. For me part of the fun is trying all the different aftershaves and balms etc.

MY post shave routine is as follows:

1) Alum Block
2) Cold Water Rinse
3) Pat Dry
4) Thayers Witch Hazel with aloe
5) Clubman Vanilla AS
6) ASB (Either AOS Lavender, or TH Grafton for now, waiting on more samples )


Many places offer sample packs of creams/balms you can try (Truefitt and hill for example)

Some are very expensive and some are a lot more reasonably priced :)

Hope this helps

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I was wondering, could you tell me what exactly each does in your routine. Why do you use so many and what is the purpose?

Sure.

The alum block is an astringent and will seal any minor nicks I get, it also is a good "report card" for how you performed with the shave. (Little to no sting = you did good, lot of stinging = Pressure too high or angles too high etc) It is also useful for DURING the shave, you can rub wet fingers on it and it will allow you to get traction on your skin so you can properly stretch the skin :)

Cold water rinse just is soothing, some claim it "closes the pores" but I'm not sure if it does that. either way it feels nice on the face IMHO
Pat Dry - Just drying off the water..
Thayers Witch Hazel with aloe is a further astringent but is VERY soothing on the skin IMHO it also smells nice ..

Clubman AS , I use that because I feel the Alcohol based AS just further helps seal my skin (I have NO basis in fact for that, it is just my own personal opinion) and I love the scents :) (I do try other AS's I just have Clubman right now :) )

ASB - I don't always use it, but in winter months when it's dry it helps moisturize my skin and if I find my skin to be raw from the shave it is very soothing....

This is just what I find works for me, again YMMV

Welcome! Sounds like you have the right attitude. Don't worry about the AS routine. Just keep slapping stuff on your face until you find something that feels right....haha.

-----Michael

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Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Just keep slapping stuff on your face until you find something that feels right...

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*SMACK*..OUCH! Ok, the brick does not feel right :D

I appreciate all the helps guys and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

I guess a steady hand and more practice will help me with the ATG shaves. I never shaved Everyday so maybe my face also has to get use to it as well. I look forward to being a contributing member and will let ya'll know how things work out

That is possible, but one thing I can say is watch your angle and pressure, for the pressure go as light as you can get, then when you think it's TOO light...go lighter :)