Thread: Tell me it gets better

Originally Posted by phunni

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not giving up on it. I know a smooth, comfortable shave is possible - even with a shavette! I know this because I've had them from a barber. I'm not going back, or switching to a DE. I might, in the short term, use my old razor for the difficult areas. Just until my general technique improves.

Thanks for the encouragement guys - much appreciated!

Don't be ashamed or to proud to go back to the old way of shaving in the difficult areas I did it till my confidence got built up. I always used the advice to shave until you start to feel uncomfortable and then switch back to the old way and save your face. You will eventually get enough confidence to do the whole thing with a straight and that is a great feeling.

Originally Posted by swimlikehell

Don't be ashamed or to proud to go back to the old way of shaving in the difficult areas I did it till my confidence got built up. I always used the advice to shave until you start to feel uncomfortable and then switch back to the old way and save your face. You will eventually get enough confidence to do the whole thing with a straight and that is a great feeling.

Truth be told. I could not use my Str8 on my neck. I have progressed through it nicely.

As money is an issue try whippeddog you can get a shave ready str8 for $25 thats only £15 including postage thats where I got mine and it only took 7 days from Texas to the Scotland. My first couple of shaves were with a shavette and they were bad but as soon as I got a str8 I never looked back and I'm only about 12 shaves in. Consentrate on your prep and finding the angle that works for you and as has been said before slow down try to enjoy it pamper yourself a bit get some bay rum for after the shave only about £2.50 from boots etc and rinse with cold water then the bay rum it works for me but you will find out what works for you and as I said enjoy it.

This was my story:

I went to a DE razor and used it for about 4 yrs. I learned alot about wet shaving by doing this including a light touch, angles, my beard direction, how to lather, etc. I think it took out many variables for me.

About 2 years ago, I tried a shavette with a Feather blade. I vowed to NEVER use that damn thing again. I cut myself so bad and I was so red and sore. Publicly on Facebook I asserted I would never do that again.

I lied.

About 4 months ago, I found this site and wanted to give it another go. This time I shaved with the idea that I would NOT get a good shave. I used it ridiculously light and used my DE to finish up. Better but I still had several nicks. I asked on this forum if a shavette would be the same as a real straight and I got alot of the same feedback you see above.

I ordered a vintage "real" straight and a "poor man's strop" from Whipped Dog. It wasn't pretty but it was cheap and I still was hesitant.

When I got this in the mail, (properly honed) I went at this VERY slowly. I won't detail all the steps (they are scattered all over this forum) but I have not used anything but my straight for the past 3 months. I'm slowly getting MUCH more proficient and I ask alot fewer questions here now Yes, you will DEFINITELY get far better but in my experience, I had to ditch the shavette to get there.

I'm sure I would be much better at the shavette now but a "real" straight is so much more forgiving just like everyone else is saying. Good luck!