Thread: First shave and don't know what to think

$0.02 from another beginner. Use your previous shaving method until you figure out the shave prep and lathering. I found the face lathering technique featured at classicshaving.com worked for me. Once you've done that then move to straight and strop. Strop slowly and carefully - speed will come with time. Good luck.

You can have 3 things going on here, independently or in combination:

1) The technique you use with a straight razor, while similar, will be different than with a Shavette. It's hard to explain but you eventually will learn yourself through practice. Your skin will also need to adjust as well.
2) The straight razor I suspect has a good bevel set but still needs to be honed and polished. I would first try polishing/refreshing (ex; 8,000 grit then 16,000 grit then Chromium Oxide strop then leather strop- light light light X strokes on all) so that you avoid removing unnecessary metal. Before even that try some extra stropping (ex; 100 laps) just to make sure your edge is uniformly stropped.
3) Your shave prep also needs to adjust to a straight razor. I would recommend a gentle face scrub while in the shower, a shave oil (very small amount) (you can use olive oil, grapeseed oil; neither will clog your pores) to prevent the 'skipping' and maybe a more moist lather consistently applied- like Cool Whip. Rinse between passes before relathering (many people skip this important step). Did you shave right out of the shower?

So, try the quick fix first; more careful stropping and more comprehensive shave prep. Also, look at Youtube on scything strokes. Done right and lightly they work very well. If that doesn't work for you, providing your face has healed and you can see if this improves it, then you need to polish and possible hone your edge.

Above all don't give up! Be patient and this temporary inconvenience shall pass.

Edit; PS; I tend to only use shave oil when I'm suspect of a new razor. It adds a level of insurance to avoid razor burn. Normally, I don't use it.

Edited my previous post to link to the exact article referenced.

A lot of userful information going on here. Thanks a bunch! I will try all three tips next shave but first I am gonna give my face some days to heal up.
Thought there wasn't a lot of difference between a shavette and a straight razor. Knowing this will definitely help.
Never thought of quitting haha. Thanks again and I will get back here in a couple of days to tell if it worked!