Terrible first shave... But I will not be discouraged...

Well,

I used my Dovo black star 5/8 for the first time tonight... Along with some GFT Coconut oil cream, and some pro pre shave oil. The shave was weird it felt like I couldn't get the blade to cut the hair smoothly though, through technique error or blade sharpness I do not know. I inspected the blade closely during the shave and noticed a small notch on the heel, and three tiny rust spots on the back of blade but don't know if that makes any difference. Anyways directions questions or anything really is welcome lol.. I am literally sitting with a bleeding beet red face LMFAO..... :(

Shave test

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-test-vid.html

I don't think anyone has a great first shave. Assuming you have a shave ready razor, your abilities will go up greatly about every 10 shaves. At least this has been my experience...only got 50 or so shaves under my belt. Enjoy the journey.

Was this your very first straight razor shave, or your first with that razor ? If the former, maybe this tutorial by the founder of SRP will help out ;

First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Thank you for the replies, as well that was a great and instructional video. I believe the razor is shave ready, because it passes the hanging hair test perfectly, but what do I know lol. I did wonder if imperfections in blades are normal though.

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If you look at the heel, there is a slight notch about half a centi meter out and also on the back a few rust spots. This is a new razor.

Jimmy, yes this was my first attempt lol, I butchered my face good lol.

Who ever was doing this blade it didn`t do it right. Even from this pictures it does not look good. I do not have time now but I can re-hone for free and send you one of mine to use. Your only cost will be your shipping for both razors both ways.

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Originally Posted by Link1

If you look at the heel, there is a slight notch about half a centi meter out and also on the back a few rust spots. This is a new razor.

Jimmy, yes this was my first attempt lol, I butchered my face good lol.

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Straight in at the deep end then! What's great about this place is there are many benevolent people to lend a hand and a pointer in the right direction.

Try a cheap shavette, without a blade first to get comfortable with how you hold the razor and how you shave with a good blade angle - these will stand you in good stead for the future. Don't forget, a shavette with a new blade is as shave ready as you'll get.

G.

The nick surel should not be there, but I doubt it's responsible for the irritation, as You normally do not use the part so close to the heel that much.
It's probably just the way it is when starting with a straight razor. When starting, You're normally not calm, use too much pressure, maybe the blade is not truely shave ready.

- first make sure the razor is truely shave ready. The other guys already have given good tips
- then try to gain more confidence in dealing with the razor. Shave a balloon or, as stated, try a shavette without blade (another great idea btw. thanks).
- and start easy. Some parts like the jaws, lower chin or neck are difficult, even for advanced people. I've read posts from other beginners who first started with a few parts of the face.

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Originally Posted by proximus26

Who ever was doing this blade it didn`t do it right. Even from this pictures it does not look good. I do not have time now but I can re-hone for free and send you one of mine to use. Your only cost will be your shipping for both razors both ways.

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generous offer, great community ! chapeau!

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Originally Posted by AlliumSativum

... Try a cheap shavette, without a blade first to get comfortable with how you hold the razor and how you shave with a good blade angle...

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What a wonderful idea!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AlliumSativum

.... Don't forget, a shavette with a new blade is as shave ready as you'll get.

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Not necessarily... this is a bit off topic but just happened today:
around 20 years ago, when I started with straight razors, my hairdresser Toni, gave me one of his very flat (must have been 4/8 or so) "Ben Hur" razors.
I recently digged that one out and sent it to the stones. Today it was time to get my hair cut again. Meanwhile his son runs the shop, but I went there and said, "Twenty years ago, Your father gave this to me. If You like, we could try this today on me". He liked the idea and used it for most of the haircut. Normally he uses a shavette for that (always new blade) which is "loud" and pulling. The "Ben Hur" went through the hair like nothing and when I left, he asked if I could take some of his old razors and resharpen them for him :-D - interesting experience

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Originally Posted by DDTech

Shave a balloon

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Now that is old school. I have been told about that method, it is ancient, and so is my barber, with the upmost respect, sometimes old and ancient is the best, and you have not seen the queue for a haircut with this knowledgeable barber. He should be retired, but it is a way of life for him, and he does not shave in his salon because of insurance purposes. Health and safety has a lot to answer for, he can shave his own face with his eyes shut, yet he has to go to school to get a ticket to shave professionally! At his age, 72, what's the point?

He shaved a balloon years ago, but his true test was shaving his teacher, and if he nicked the skin, he got a kick in the shin. That is the true test. I will light a candle the day that person retires, as a barber, he cuts hair better than anyone I have ever known.

G.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DDTech

What a wonderful idea!




Not necessarily... this is a bit off topic but just happened today:
around 20 years ago, when I started with straight razors, my hairdresser Toni, gave me one of his very flat (must have been 4/8 or so) "Ben Hur" razors.
I recently digged that one out and sent it to the stones. Today it was time to get my hair cut again. Meanwhile his son runs the shop, but I went there and said, "Twenty years ago, Your father gave this to me. If You like, we could try this today on me". He liked the idea and used it for most of the haircut. Normally he uses a shavette for that (always new blade) which is "loud" and pulling. The "Ben Hur" went through the hair like nothing and when I left, he asked if I could take some of his old razors and resharpen them for him :-D - interesting experience

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I notice you are German, which probably explains your experience with true straight razors, especially Solingen! Fair play to you, friend, there is an element of truth to shavette razors, and how shave ready they are, but if you stick with quality blades, then you cannot go far wrong.

Israeli blades get my vote so far, but I have not tried the Gillette blades or Wilkinson Sword either or for that matter, the world renowned feather blades.... but Israeli blades are shave ready! Better than the Derby blades, so I will put my hand on my heart and pronounce Israeli blades as an excellent choice.

G.

So many great responses, I may take that free hone when you have time :). I can't wait for my face to become soothed again so I can keep trying

I just posted this in another thread; As a DE shaver we are used to extremely sharp blades. The edge on a straight, for the average user, is not as sharp. But the edge will shave you smoothly if your prep is good. Your beard must absorb water during the prep. You should feel it relax. If not, try washing your face with different soaps or lather until you find what works. DE blades let you get away with skimping on the prep. If you have a coarse beard and you want a close comfortable shave with a straight, you prep must be first rate. This is from personal experience.
Good luck.

Check your prep.

Keep going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never surrender!!!!!!!!!

:chapeau

Had another go tonight, shave was much better at getting the hair off. Still a lot of irritation lol. Now I just need to learn to strop because I made almost every beginner mistake there is. I have successful nicked both my strops and probably ruined the another edge as well. I will post pictures. Also, I have a herold strop why when I strop am I getting what looks like dandruff shavings from both the linen and leather sides of the strop.

I live right by you. I'll check out your razor for you, and touch it up, if it needs it. I can help out with the skills too....

PM sent....

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Originally Posted by AlliumSativum

... there is an element of truth to shavette razors, and how shave ready they are, but if you stick with quality blades, then you cannot go far wrong.

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I was actually just surprised how well it went with my blade.