Phew!

Got my first straight yesterday, and as tempted as I was to have a go as soon as I got it, I left it until this morning when I had could take my time. So I mustered up some courage, got the paramedics on standby and lathered up. Standing in front of a mirror with 2 inches of scalpel sharp steel in your hand for the first time is a definite 11 on the brown trouser index :eek:. So I did as it suggested in the begginers wiki and just did the dominant side of my face with my dominant hand. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad, didn't get as close a shave as with my DE, but I guess that will come with practice. On the plus side I didn't have to go to hospital to get my face sewn back on or all my blood put back in either :D. Not a bad result really,

Onwards and upwards

Happy shaving

Ken

It only gets better from here on in. Just be patient, take your time and you'll be rewarded. I only had 3 shaves and was in a hurry for the next one so used the cartridge and the canned goo and no, never again. My 4th was the first time I managed my full SR shave (WTG and XTG, without the cartridge to finish. But I would recommend 2 WTG passes for your first few shaves to get a good feel for angle and pressure. I start with the blade flat and then raise it until it catches the stubble.

Congrats and welcome to SRP.

Cool, isn't it?

Off to a good start, then. Take it slowly and just do as much each time as you feel comfortable with. You soon get used to it. :)

Welcome aboard!

Congrats on a good start and having the fortitude to control yourself and not try to do your whole face on the first go. Go slow and never loose your concentration or respect for the razor. Give it about 6 months, if you are anything like me, when all the aspects of SR shaving start coming together and you will be really happy. Enjoy the journey.

Bob

Thanks for the replies guys, only my first baby steps into the world of straight razor shaving but there's already a (largely unjustified I suspect) sense of acheivement. I just wish my facial hair would grow more quickly so I could have another go!

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'I start with the blade flat and then raise it until it catches the stubble.'

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Thanks for the tip, I'm not sure why but that hadn't occured to me. Sheer terror I expect.

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Cool, isn't it?

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- VERY cool, in fact I'm starting to feel more manly already, I might have to go and beat up a tiger :D

Cheers

Ken

congrats, each shave will get a litle easier

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Originally Posted by TheFatFace

... there's already a (largely unjustified I suspect) sense of acheivement.

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Entirely justified, I think. You've tried something a lot of people wouldn't have the nerve to do.

Even better, you'll keep getting a sense of achievement as you improve - doing a complete shave, working out new techniques, and getting smoother and smoother shaves. I'm chuffed at the moment because I've just found a stroke that does a good job on the corners of my mouth, which have always been difficult spots.