Thread: First shave impressions

So I just finished my first shave using my new razor (probably not as shave ready as ebay said it was but after reading on here that's to be expected.) Anyways...
OH DEAR GOD MY FACE MY POOR POOR FACE!

Not many cuts, but not a clean shave either, haven't put aftershave on yet but I can't imagine my face could sting anymore than it is right now so I might try in a sec.

Update: aftershave felt like napalm.

That's pretty much how my first shave felt. If the razor isn't shave ready that won't help either. So first you have to ensure the razor is up to specs. After that it's just practice.

take your time, it will be like that for a while. If you start to fell uncomfortable don't be ashamed to go back and finish the shave with your old way of shaving. Everything will eventually click, make sure to get that honed first.

Yeah I think this bad boy really needs a good honing.

Originally Posted by buttmonkey

Yeah I think this bad boy really needs a good honing.

My first shave was similar bought a razor I thought was shave ready it wasn't. Unfortunately it got worse because I kept on without stropping for about two weeks unknowingly. The light at the end of the tunnel is this I bought a truly honed shave ready razor from a vendor here it's incredible the difference it makes. Also, there are a lot of guys here that are more than willing to whip it in to shape for you. Good luck and don't give up it will get better.

If it makes you feel any better, my first shave hurt like a sum-bish too...and my blade was properly honed. It's down to your routine and technique for the most part, as my second shave was 1000 times better. All I can say is go slow, and be very careful at first.

Oh, and I'd say the patchiness is to be expected at this stage - make sure not to go over the same spot 3, or 4 times (even if little, gentle passes) as that can cause some serious irritation. Learned that from experience!

Thanks for the encouraging replies guys!

I'm going to wait a while, until my face is fully healed, and I have some growth and maybe a sharper blade!

FWIW:

. . . Don't use aftershave.

Most of them are alcohol-based, and they'll really hurt if you have _any_ razor burn. Most beginners have some razor burn, a result of too much pressure and/or a slightly dull blade.

There are aftershave _balms_ that don't have alcohol, and may make your skin feel better. And, as you gain experience, you'll use less pressure, and your stropping will improve, and your razor burn will become only a memory.

. Charles

Blade angle, stropping technique, dull razor could all be part of the problem. also, most people find that when they start the extra exfoliation that straight razor shaving provides might also be the issue in a couple of weeks it normally abates. you might find that witch hazel will burn less than most aftershaves, you could even try the aftershave after the witch hazel. but practice and a well honed and stropped razor will solve most of your issues.

enjoy,
jim

Razor burn comes from a dull razor. Dull razors cause one to use pressure and the pressure is what causes the razor burn. Get your razor professonally honed and then go slow. Oh, and practice stropping on a butter knife. Most newbies dull their first razor learning how to strop so learn first before you dull your newly honed razor. Then, go slow and stretch your skin tight always. You'll grow to love it and look forward to it.