Another first SR shave story

Well, I finally got back to PA and recieved all my SR stuff. (Thanks Tony and Lynn). I attempted my first shave this morning. All in all, it was ok. Its not as close as I'd like and I nicked myself 4 or 5 times (Only one under my nose was bad enough to need the syptic).

I stropped the razor about 20 times (Trying to be careful not to roll the blade). It felt like it tugged a little bit the first couple of times but I am guessing my angle was wrong or it was because it was a newly honed razor. It improved as I went. My greatest problem areas were around my chin and neck. I had to re-wet/re-lather several times. I don't know if the boars hair brush just doesn't hold enough water or if my parent's water is harder then I'm used to. I also didn't hold the skin tight enough to first pass though I did better on the second pass (only did 2 passes on the sides). All-in-all, I would rate it a 5 out of 10. Hopefully tommorow is better.

It takes a bit of time to fine-tune your technique. If the lather you originally built up was ok to start with then it's trying out because you're moving slowly, like we all did when we started. Just focus on your technique and re-lather as often as necessary. Speed will come with time.

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Originally Posted by blhoward2

Well, I finally got back to PA and recieved all my SR stuff. (Thanks Tony and Lynn). I attempted my first shave this morning. All in all, it was ok. Its not as close as I'd like and I nicked myself 4 or 5 times (Only one under my nose was bad enough to need the syptic).

I stropped the razor about 20 times (Trying to be careful not to roll the blade). It felt like it tugged a little bit the first couple of times but I am guessing my angle was wrong or it was because it was a newly honed razor. It improved as I went. My greatest problem areas were around my chin and neck. I had to re-wet/re-lather several times. I don't know if the boars hair brush just doesn't hold enough water or if my parent's water is harder then I'm used to. I also didn't hold the skin tight enough to first pass though I did better on the second pass (only did 2 passes on the sides). All-in-all, I would rate it a 5 out of 10. Hopefully tommorow is better.

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Hi

I'm a newbie too so can't give you any advice on technique. However, I have tried just about every high-end shaving cream and have loads of top of the range brushes. I really think that these make a huge difference whatever your shaving method - mach3, DE or straight.

I would highly recommend you try Taylor of Bond Street Avocado shave cream. This is the one I reach for when my skin is a bit sore or sensitive - it's like teflon. Secondly, get the best quality brush you can. Something like a Kent BK2 silvertip.

Northpole

Include me in that newbie catagory. I ordered a DOVO from classicshaving and although I could shave with it I knew it needed to be honed. My first shave went remarkably well, and I thought hey what is all the fuss about? Then my second shave, holly crap!!:eek: I did some serious damage to my face. So much for being cocky..;-) Anyway that is when I decided to hone the razor. But I have to tell you this SR shaving becomes an addiction. So here we practice in "Search of the Perfect" shave. I guess we'll know when we get there.
Donald

I've got a non-shave-related injury on my right cheek that's taking forever to heal and it's interfering with my shaves :cry: On a good note I'm getting BBS everywhere else since I started using CrO2 0.5mic :D

The chin and neck especially the chin
seem to be the hardest areas to get
used to shaving.

Keep it up and and in no time at
all you be shaving like an old pro.

As far as having to relather? Try
using a little more water. Experiment
a little. You will find the right combination
in no time at all.

And remember, when you strop - take your
time and go slow. And never ever lift the
spine.


Terry

Your using the Williams in Tony's set? If you are like me when I use it I also have to relather a more often than with other soaps, It is great soap for the price but it does seem to dry out fast. On the other hand when i use it I seem to get the closest shaves in the fewest passes but I can also feel the razor a bit more. A boar brush while not the luxury item a badger hair is holds plenty of water, even so I am hoping Santa brings me a nice bader brush for christmas :)

William's Soap works very well for me.
Lathers great and doesn't dry out for
whatever reason.

IMHO, William's is a winner.


Terry

Terry, I hope Colleen doesn't hear you or you're toast :eek:

I'm going to try the Prorarso from Target today. I also have a whole load of samples of soap coming from Coleen. Hopefully today goes a little better.