Thread: Hogtown's first shave

Hey guys.

I've gotta make this quick, but I thought it was necessary as a right of passage to post about my first straight shave.

I purchased my blade and brush, as well as a paddle strop and a puck of Williams from Bruce a few days ago and today was the big day of it's arrival. In the meantime, I was able to do lot's (LOT'S) of research on SRP and had the opportunity to stock up on some products.

Anyway, within 10 minutes of getting the package, I was lathering up my face with the provided Williams and wa-bam, I was shaving. The lather was probably on the pathetic side, but not knowing what a good lather was (besides seeing it on youtube) I decided to go with it. So I stretched the skin on my right sideburn, and went to town. The razor slid nicely on the first stroke, and took off a good amount of stubble. I rinsed off the blade, and went for another stroke.. and another and another.. and soon enough my right cheek and sideburn were pretty darn smooth. Against conventional wisdom, I decided to get a feel for my left hand, and took a small but successful stroke on my left sideburn but quickly decided I should wait for another day to do more.

I went on to rinse.. relather with proraso green this time and complete the shave with my boring ol mach 3.

Finished the experience off with a rinse.. witch hazel splash.. and a final splash of Old Spice Classic AS.

Now that I'm finished.. I can't wait for the next go. I decided to strop tonight as well.. and don't know how I did.. didn't knick or damage the thing.. but I have no idea whether or not I dulled the blade.. or did it correctly.. I guess I'll know if the blade doesn't cut next time I shave.

So.. this ends my rushed, but proud post of my first shave.

Cheers gentleman, and thanks to all who've helped. Especially Bruce for providing me with the tools to embark on the journey.

Andrew

Sounds good Andrew.

A rite of passage indeed. Looking forward to reading about how your lather and your left hand develop.

Cheers,
Nate

Congrats! That first time is quite the rush, for sure. The best part is, it only gets better.

congrats! Williams can be hard to lather. It took me awhile to figure it out properly. and this thread gives good tips on using williams
http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...me-lather.html

Thanks guys. Good support from my fellow Northwood's people.

I forgot to mention I'm shaving with a Crown & Sword - Wald, Germany and using an (old?) Everyready 100 Super Badger brush. I think tonight I'm going to look into the history of the C & S company, as the history of these items are a big reason I'm so interested in this hobby.

Originally Posted by bondpunk

congrats! Williams can be hard to lather. It took me awhile to figure it out properly. and this thread gives good tips on using williams
http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...me-lather.html

Great link, thanks!

Congrats on the first shave. Take your time learning, and don't get in a hurry. I made the same mistake that a bunch of guys make and jump in head first.... the razor burn was some of the worst I've ever had, and I've got some nice little scars on the left side of my face from being clumsy with a spike-point. Also, really concentrate on being very light-handed with the razor; just enough pressure to take the shaving cream off your face.

Originally Posted by myersn024

Congrats on the first shave. Take your time learning, and don't get in a hurry. I made the same mistake that a bunch of guys make and jump in head first.... the razor burn was some of the worst I've ever had, and I've got some nice little scars on the left side of my face from being clumsy with a spike-point. Also, really concentrate on being very light-handed with the razor; just enough pressure to take the shaving cream off your face.

Great tips. The point regarding pressure is actually really helpful.. great example.

your off to a great start! there is a few secrets for a good williams lather, proraso should be a bit easier. Keep at it! it will come to you in time and with many shaves comes great satisfaction!

Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

your off to a great start! there is a few secrets for a good williams lather, proraso should be a bit easier. Keep at it! it will come to you in time and with many shaves comes great satisfaction!

Second-ever shave (with my new Sanssouci) went quite well.. I had a much better lather with my Proraso Green, and felt great about the pre-shave stropping I did on the Sanssouci. It felt plenty sharp and glided over my skin quite smoothly. I had barely any stubble after 24 hours.. but it took it off really well. Shaved both sides of my face today.. and a little strip of the neck just for fun.

I'm no literary master like my friend Jack, so that about does it for my second-shave post.

Cheers guys,

Andrew