2 Months in & loving it. Beginertips.

Hi SRPeeps,

I have started my straight shaving journey 2 months ago and I want to share some things that I think will benefit everyone. My shaves are very close now, especially compared to my first shaves with the straight and I think its safe to say I am going to shave exclusively with the straight for the foreseable future.

Here are my tips, which of course are from the perspective of someone starting out. I am not an expert by any means.

Take your time. Take your time for everything and enjoy the process. The first shave you try should be on the weekend, after a nice shower. Take the time to know your face and the direction your hairs grow. take your time to strop, especially when you flip the blade. take your time to make the lather on your face or bowl doesnt matter. Take your time to shave, start with your side under the sideburn and stretch your skin, finish with a regular cartridge like mach3 etc.., take your time to learn how the blade feel with the grain first before you try across the grain. take your time.

Also, stroping is really the key to a comfortable shave. The blades when they come off the hones are so sharp that they will cut hair but also may irritate the skin. I have found that more stroping will make the shave much more comfortable and enjoyable. I feel like razors need a bit of breaking in after honing, I noticed that by the 3rd shave with a razor which has seen a lot of stroping it really feel it is at its smoothest. Use a light touch and to do more laps. you dont want to round the edge.

I think another key thing is to remember to re lather often and to make sure the lather stays wet to promote a nice glide. In the begining I used to take 45 minutes to shave now I can do it in 10-15 minutes but still the lather on the side of the face that isnt being shaved will start to dry up and by the time you get to it, it has hardened a bit. Try to re-lather and you will notice an easier shave.

Use the lightest of touch to shave. it really is the razor that should do the work.

All the best to my fellow beginers.

I see nothing but words of wisdom in your post. I am now into my fifth month and I have recently added an ATG pass to my daily shaving routine. I took me that long to feel comfortable doing it. I can now get a true BBS everyday. One can't emphasize the importance of a proper stropping technique enough. That is the key to a close and comfortable shave and to prolonging the life of your razor's edge.

Thanks for the great post. The most important thing that you stated often is "take your time"...it's not a race to shave with a straight. It's an everyday chore that we've all turned into something enjoyable and relaxing, so take your time and enjoy. Your face will thank you for it :)

You're doin' it right. :tu: Congrats! Thanks for sharing what you've learned.