Thread: My first shave -> gusher..

So I decided before I turn 40 (I'm 39) I wanted to learn to shave with a straight razor, something my dad did in Europe but never taught me. And my new Dovo Best Quality 5/8" showed up this morning (along with the complete SRD starter kit).

I came out of the shower, leaving my face wet, got a good lather going and started shaving. Sides went nice and smooth, as did some of my neck. Got a couple small nicks that were no big deal really. Then I got to my chin. My chin really balls out and I guess I pushed my razor straight into the ball without following the contour enough, and I found my razor buried in my chin's flesh. It gushed bad, and I had to finish the chin with my regular disposable (because I didn't feel comfy strait razoring the rest of my chin).

So, my question is this: How do I deal with this cut? The skin is still on it, but it's sliced bad, so I don't wanna hit it with a blade again. Do I just hold off on the chin for now? Should I remove the dead flap of skin covering it?

Also, I had a lot of razor burn. I think it's because I just didn't angle the blade good, but to be sure I went over to AOS to pick up some pre-shave oil, and will also try conditioner in the shower as well.

For those who may ask, I also have and applied alum (which is awesome), witch hazel, and Geo F Trumper's skin food.

But would take any advice that comes my way. Picture of the gash (which I named "lesson 1") attached. Thanks.

I'm not *that* kind of doctor, so please don't take my advice over that of anyone who actually knows what he/she is talking about.

I would leave it there but keep an eye on it for infection. Did you clean it out after the slice? If so, hopefully it will just heal up nicely. I suspect removing the flap will increase your chance for a badass scar.

My advice would be stay well away from the chin not just until it heals up, but until you're fully comfortable on the 'easy' bits (sideburns, cheeks) using a straight. The tricky, round, and hidden bits all take extra attention as you have discovered, which is why I think it is a good idea to avoid them at first.

But stick with it - it gets easier!

Thanks Cangooner.. Yeah, I just read somewhere else about sticking to the easier sideburn/cheek parts until you get more comfy with the SE. I'm gonna take that advice. Also, yeah I did clean it up, but left it open, not covered with a band aid. Gonna hit it with some neosporin and a bandaid before goin to bed, otherwise it will bleed out all over these nice white sheets...

I will tell you this, and I'm sure others would agree: The straight edge razor commands a great deal of respect. More than I think I gave it, and hence, lesson 1.

Put some triple antibiotic on that spot if you're not allergic to it and it will help it heal up quickly.

I usually recommend taking the chin on in three sections when you're new. Leave the rounded part till last and until you get used to how your razor cuts. Until then shave both side of the chin as they are relatively flat and under the lower lip as well as that spot is mostly flat. Very light pressure. Short little strokes and longer clean up strokes if needed.

Have fun.

First off, congrats on the first shave! Everybody experiences a few cuts in their life, so it may be a good thing that you got the big one out of the way already.

I agree with the above. Keep you razor away until it's fully healed & keep practicing on the easy bits. When your chin's next turn does come up, the added experience will make you a lot more comfortable & confident.

As for when that time does come up, I'd suggest short, light swipes with the blade. Concentrate on the angle, very light pressure & try to have the blade already moving slightly when it touches the skin, like an airplane on final approach only without any sound effects. That will help a lot to avoid start/stops, which is when you're most likely in my experience to slide the blade sideways & cut yourself.

Stay away from the cut until it heals. Next go round, work on getting your sideburns and cheeks well shaven. If that goes well, move to your neck. Shave in increments until you are comfortable. My lower lip was my problem area, so I made sure that it had a good lather on it, and went at it in very small concise strokes until I mastered the area. Your chin will require small steps to determine what will best remove the hair without the blood loss. Your face, you have to work out the contours on your own.

As KenWeir says, avoid start/stops, and go slow. When you stop moving the razor, take it off your face. Most of all, stay with it, you will get there!!

Gentlemen, thanks for your replies and tips. They will go a long way for me for sure... And Lynn, thanks for this site!

This is called "Beginner's Luck" -- from here on, you make your own.

Smooth shaving!

Feel your pain, my chin does the exact same thing, and no matter how hard or what direction you pull that fat pad will just move around. I just go WTG, and XTG very slowly with what I call little "ticks" of the blade; maybe 1mm of movement at a time. It takes longer, but I haven't needed the tournaquet since doing that either.

Take a look through the "cut of the day" thread, don't feel too bad, at least you were shaving when this happened. One guy nearly lopped his finger and thumb off...