Beard vs SR?

[MajorSights]

So, I have been growing a beard now for just over 2 months (Pathetic as it is.... no really, you would think I have only been at it maybe 2 weeks), and have a Dovo SR on its way to me. The question is, "Should I clipper the beard growth down to be a bit shorter, or should I just shave it off with a SR"? This would also be my first SR shave in almost 10 years and only did it once or twice before.

[JimmyHAD]

Have you checked out the beginner's guide in the SRP library here ? I hadn't shaved with a straight in 25 years before I got back into it again. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing until I looked in the mirror with that blade poised over my sideburn. Anyway, check out what Lynn Abrams suggests on the first straight razor shave and go from there. I'd say take it easy the first few times anyway. Once you get started again you'll know if you can get right back into it or if you have to go slow. I'd keep the beard until I was confident with the rest of my face and neck. IMHO.

[Chalito]

I would say clip it. Really long hair (long being a relative term) can be a pain to cut, especially if you haven't used a straight in a while. Plus you'd probably just have a more comfortable shave if you clip it. But I don't think it's absolutely necessary.

[Wintchase]

Whenever I take the goatee and stache off, I trim it first.. Not because the razor cant't handle it.. But because the lather cant get in to soak the roots to soften the beard.. So it is like dry shaving.

[cpcohen1945]

I'm number 3 --

. . . Clip the beard first.

Having a beard to deal with, will just complicate your first shave.

. Charles

[Ryan82]

With a sharp razor and experience it can be very satisfying to shave off a full beard with a straight. But if you're basically new at this I'd have to agree with the others and say you should trim down to a couple days' growth or so.

[PhatMan]

MajorSights,

+1 on 'clipper-ing' the beard down; you will need far less lather with the shorter whiskers, and it will make less mess in the shave

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ