Thread: new to straight razor shaving

Hi there to you all. My name is John, i have just got my new straight razor after using a double edge. i have been reading on all sites on how to use one, from taking your time to making sure i dont try to do all of my face. I put shaving cream onto my face picked up my razor and even after all the you tube clips i was lost i did not realise how hard it was to use one from holding it in a way to see the movement of the blade. It was so funny i was like a child in deep water. I will not give up i have had 2 shaves on my right cheek and will continue to take my time, and with luck one day i will be able to give myself a good shave. john

Welcome to SRP.

What you are describing is pretty much what we all went thru when starting out
Don't worry, you'll get there with a little more practice.
It sounds to me like you have done everything right up until now, keep it up!

If we can assist in any way, do let us know.
Good luck!

It takes time. It won't take you this long but remember, real barbers take years to learn it right.

I added a mirror on a swivel arm to the wall so I could see my face during the contortions. Bed Bath and Beyond has several.

Welcome to the club.

Thanks for your help the swivel arm mirror is a fantastic idea i will get myself one. At the moment i am looking forward to each shave i never thought that would happen. many thanks john

John,

Ikea has a great mirror for dirt cheap. I think it was under $10. Even if you have to pay shipping it's worth it. I even put one in my truck camper for when I'm up in the mountains. Yep, I still miss my shaving up there if I don't take my gear. Have fun and ask lots of questions.

John

Welcome, John, and good work so far! Slow is best. That's one of the things many of us love about the straight shave anyway, that it slows down a part of our day like nothing else can any more.

Best wishes to you.

Hi there i hope your all keeping well. i went to go for my next shave and it was not very good the razor was as blunt as could be. I thought it should not be like this after a few small shaves and it was meant to be shave ready, so i then tried to use the strop they say use the weight of the razor and i did this about 45 times then used a bit of hair and see if it cuts in half, the answer was no so then tried to cut some on my arm still blunt. to make matters worse went to use shaving brush that come with it and the brush fell apart,what a way to start my first straight razor week. I thought about sending them back but the cost of sending and getting them back to the US will cost a pretty penny so if there is any advice on what i am doing wrong or how to sharpen my razor would be great thanks for all the messages john

Hi, johnw, and welcome to SRP (belatedly)! We're sure glad to have you here. You wrote that you just got your "new" razor. Who manufactured it? If they advertised it as being "shave-ready" it probably is not and will require honing by a honemeister. It sounds like you have a dull razor.
PLEASE be patient with yourself. We've far too many bloodletters here.