2 Attachment(s)
My First Straight Razor Shave...
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My First (Partial) Straight Razor Shave:
Pre: Mild scrub with Shea Moisture Facial Scrub, hot towel, lather, hot towel, Anthony Logistics Pre-Shave Oil
Soap: Pyrate Cove Bay Rhum & Lime (what a lather!)
Razor 1: Australian Damascus Hollow
Razor 2: Schick Injector
Brush: Knob restore with TGN Boar Knot
Post: Styptic Pencil, Oil of Olay Facial Toner, Shea Moisture A/S Balm; Pure Shea Butter
Took the plunge and used a straight for the first time tonight. Did my right cheek with my right hand (dominant hand), then did my left cheek with my left hand, which was not as awkward as I'd expected. Only issue was, I couldn't always see the razor. This made me realize that learning with a French or round tip is an advantage. (Unfortunately, my backup razor is a square point but I shouldn't need to use it for a while.) I only shaved with the grain, trying to listen to the razor and get a feel for when I was mowing hair, paying attention to my angle without concentrating on it. I took it nice and slow but also felt comfortable. My challenge is stretching my skin with wet fingers and pre-shave oil. I shaved a little way under my chin on my right side because I felt comfortable doing so. I stopped there and pulled out the Injector to finish the job. I got two nicks; one was from the straight because I put the blade down horizontally (I knew better and pulled away immediately). Wasn't sure I nicked it but I think I did. The other was with the Injector on my adam's apple. I mowed down an ingrown hair. I would definitely call it a success. I got a BBS out of it, but must admit that while my skin isn't highly irritated, I can feel it. Let's say it's a bit sensitive. The shea butter after feels very good and I'm sure my skin will feel normal in the morning...
After all of the thought and mental preparation I put into having a good first shave, I think I accomplished that.