Thread: 4 Inches of Smooth.....(First Shave)

I have had my razor for 3 weeks now. Three weeks of taking my Hart out of my fragile wood box and just holding it, practicing in mid-air how I would strop it, hone it, and shave with it. I made one online purchase with everything I needed, from brush to strop to some Bay Rum. My order was delayed due to an error on their part and I again delayed my first shave. I did some research in my down time, and read a lot of beginner stories and articles on this website. This past Sat. my order came in correct and I finally had my set up to shave.

I gave myself extra time this morning. Before jumping into the shower I knew I had to strop my blade...but where to hang my new strop? I read articles on that too! And found a place in my closet that I could attach it too at waste height. I started with about 20 passes on the non-leather side, and finished with about 30 on the leather. I did nick my leather side- but it was on the edge so I think it will be avoidable. I was going at a snail's pace but I was trying to get my technique down correct. I do plan on hanging a hook by my sink to attach the strop too next time.

After my blade was sharp I got in the shower and prepped my face with hot water and a thin layer of jojoba oil to loosen up the stiff whiskers. I lathered up my brush and soap in my new pewter bowl and applied it to my face. I tightened my skin near my temple on my dominant side and made my first pass with the straight razor. It was smooth but short. I continued taking short passes with the grain from my side burn down to the corner of my chin (I took the advice of the beginner article to just do one side of the face the first day). Fortunately, I did not cut myself although I had my septic pen ready. I only shaved 4 inches with the straight razor but they are the smoothest 4 inches of real estate on my face!

Things I took note off: I did feel a slight pull on the first pass. I did 3 passes total and all with the grain (more so for practice as I think 2 passes was more then enough). Next time I will add more lather, I had only a thin layer. My skin was red where I had shaved but after some Bay Rum and some lotion it was fine. I will practice how to tighten my own face with my other hand before I shave next time, as I was going to do my cheek but couldn't figure out how to hold my face tight enough.

Anyway gents, thanks for reading. Tomorrow I will try the other side of my face in the same area. Wish me luck!

You did a lot of careful preparation. Kudos on your good result do far.

Michael

Thanks Michael, the girl I am dating laughed at me when I told her I was reading a "How To" article on straight razor shaving...she defined the behavior as typical for me saying, "You research everything!" - Thank God for the internet!

Looks like you did your homework. Should help lots.

Russell

Isn't it a bit amazing how anything so nasty sharp can feel so smooth on the face. 'Still amazes me.
Bravo on a fine start. Mine was a bit more colorful.
New guys are hard on edges. Should your place of purchase not include any touch-up, PM me. 'just the cost to get it back to you. And you'll find at least 2 other Hart owners that were pleased.
FWIW, starting w/ a nice, heavy razor w/ a heavy grind is a great way to start. I only wish there were lower cost offerings for guys to try. The Harts I've tried have been great shavers that are a pleasure to wield.

Originally Posted by pinklather

Isn't it a bit amazing how anything so nasty sharp can feel so smooth on the face. 'Still amazes me.
Bravo on a fine start. Mine was a bit more colorful.
New guys are hard on edges. Should your place of purchase not include any touch-up, PM me. 'just the cost to get it back to you. And you'll find at least 2 other Hart owners that were pleased.
FWIW, starting w/ a nice, heavy razor w/ a heavy grind is a great way to start. I only wish there were lower cost offerings for guys to try. The Harts I've tried have been great shavers that are a pleasure to wield.

Thanks Pinklather, appreciate that. And yes, I can see how the newbies like myself would dull a blade. Part of me was wondering if the blade was sharper before I tried stropping it!

Congrats on your first real shave............ Sounds like your addicted. "Big Thumbs Up"........!

Originally Posted by officerdread

Congrats on your first real shave............ Sounds like your addicted. "Big Thumbs Up"........!

Indeed, the process itself is addicting enough, not to mention the feeling of a close clean shave

Good job.....

Originally Posted by HooliganKing

Fortunately, I did not cut myself although I had my septic pen ready.

Very fortunate you didn't cut yourself if you planned on using a SEPTIC pen, that sounds like it could cause infection, i would recommend a STYPTIC pen oh and also the way your post reads it sounds like you didn't get out of the shower this can be a dangerous practice

But seriously Congrats on you first shave sounds like it went very well, better than mine at least. Soon you will have the whole face shaved to a bbs

-dan-