Thread: First Shave. Pretty Rough....Help!

^^^ Mitch, You'd benefit from taking a gander at the "soaps and creams" forum for soap recommendations; there's a ton of information and opinions over there on the vast array that is shaving soaps.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I've really noticed a difference. Flattening the angle really made most of the difference. My angle was too wide when shaving around my chin. I'm also spending more time on beard prep and even though I'm still using barbasol (waiting on my brush and soaps still) it still makes a pretty big difference. I will say one thing though, I've recently discovered a way NOT to shave my mustache with a straight razor.....OUCH.lol

Glad it's finally starting to come together for you mate. Most of us have had these little drama's when we started off. It takes time and practice.


Mick

Quicksilver; Post your location, there may be someone in your area that can give you one on one.

I've been shaving with a straight for half a year and still find the chin difficult sometimes! Like everything, practise practise practise! I have found good preparation and keeping my face wet/moist throughout invaluable when it comes to a good quality shave

I've used:
Vdh
Ogallla bay rum
Arko sensitive
Derby shave stick
Co bigelow

All are fantastic. I personally like Arko best as far as shavability...Derby for clean smell.

I want to try mwf and tobs as well.

I don't know if it will work for you but I sometimes watch the edge of the razor instead of the spine. I know the biggest problem I ran into when I first started was not getting a good lather, causing the razor to stick or "jump" on my neck, never cutting myself but left me with a fair amount of razor burn. Just don't give up. I was extremely lucky that my cousin had been using a straight for a few years before I started, so anytime I needed reassurance or had a question I had someone to talk to. The guys here on SRP are great for that as well!

I have yet to experience my first straight razor shave but have been wet shaving for over 2 years with a double edge safety razor...
I cut myself only 1 time in over two years and it was minimal...
I think that part of my success has been in the beard prep...
I shave directly after a hot shower...
That seems to moisten my beard considerably...
After drying off I moisten the beard and then apply the soap...
The razor glides through the beard...
I hope to have the same success with my straight razor...