Thread: What I have learned in my first 10 shaves with a SR

I have been shaving with a SR since my birthday in mid July and am up to about my 10th shave. I managed to shave all of my face on my third shave, but this was only because I felt comfortable and took my time. I have had a couple of minor nicks, but interestingly the worst one was from a DE on my first shave, not the SR as I am more careful with this. I know there is a wealth of advice from SR veterans on here, but I wanted to put my thoughts up as a newcomer as I thought it might be an interesting perspective, and also I may learn a few things from replies from the more experienced. I am also very happy to be corrected.

1 - Strop slowly and carefully. I think speed will come later, better to concentrate on technique early on.

2 - Keep another form of razor to hand (I have a DE) so you can touch up if you miss a bit.

3 - Do not be in a hurry. Pick a time to shave when you will not be rushed. Shaving with a SR is not a speed test. If you are in a rush shave using other equipment.

4 - It's all about the angles. I have found one of the most important things to observe is the angle of the blade. This is a bit difficult around the chin area, but becomes easier with every shave.

5 - Re-apply lather if it starts to dry out or if you need to go over an area again. I got myself a small nick when I used the SE when it had dried out. Better to apply 5 times than cut yourself.

6 - Slack skin cuts. Keep your skin stretched when shaving as slack skin can drag and catch on the blade. On my first shave I very nearly gave myself a bad cut on the neck when I allowed the skin to slacken. I only avoided it as when I felt the blade snag I stopped dead. Didn't really cut myself doing it but managed to raise a line of blood where it caught.

7 - STOP if you feel any tugging, snagging or something not quite right. Stop fast.

8 - Don't do anything you are not comfortable with.

9 - Using your non dominant hand is scary, but it get easier quite quickly.

10 - Dry hands. After the first couple of shaves I learned to keep my hands and razor dry. this improved things no end, as the razor grip felt far better and much more stable.

I have so far really only shaved with the grain. I have done a partial XTG pass, but struggled a bit with the angles on the neck.

I must say I am really enjoying it. I really enjoy the ritual of it, and the fact I am learning a skill.