Thread: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

generous offer, great community ! chapeau!