Oh, the Joy!

Been in this hobby for only about 2 weeks, but I am finally becoming somewhat proficient. Still having trouble on the chin and jawline, but time will cure that.
The first few times I wasn't getting close at all. Then I increased the angle and am getting good shaves now. Also, still getting my daily dose of blood, but as I recall, bleeding was a legitimate cure for many ailments back in the day, so I must be pretty darn healthy by now.
Just one question (for now) -- How do you hold the razor when shaving in an upwards direction? I have tried just turning the razor over, but that doesn't feel secure. I try holding it like a knife (kind of like enclosed in my fist), but that doesn't seem safe. Is it just something I need to practice more to get comfortable with, or am I doing it wrong?

Hi, and congrats on your progress so far. And not only was bleeding a significant aspect of many medical traditions (most notably in the west the Galenic tradition that dominated western medical thought for centuries), it is actually making something of a comeback, with leeches being used medically for a number of treatments. So we may straight shavers just be ahead of the curve, medically speaking... At least when starting out. :)

Anyway, back to the question of grips. It's a tricky thing to advise as it is very personal. What feels right for me might feel horrible for you, and vice-versa. However, here are some suggestions:

Different ways to hold a straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Also, take a look at some of the videos out there on straight shaving, and pay attention to what others do. Something there might be just right for you.

In the wiki link I use grips 6,7,8 and 10 depending on what part of my face I am doing when cutting upwards (ATG). None of them felt safe and secure when I first started using them too. Maybe hold off a little till you can do the other strokes without any blood letting. I would go very slowly at first with the spine nearly flat on your skin to go ATG. Your lather is really important too, not too dry and very slick. Here is another wiki link Shaving passes - Straight Razor Place Wiki and if you scroll down you will see illustration foe the recommended shaving angles for different passes.

Bob

Reb, Bravo! I wasn't a particularly fast learner - largely 'cause I didn't heed the counsel to avoid learning to hone until after I learned the shave. My first 6 mo. were with harsh, sub-standard edges. It was a challenge to shave w/out blood. I won a few. You are completely right that a bit of time will bring the rest. In my case, a good edge made tons of different, and from there, I was playing catch-up ball on learning the shave. I still try new stretches and strokes. The shaves still improve. They still put a smile on my face. You're gonna love this method. You've got the perfect attitude and it will translate into skills and joy.

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Originally Posted by BDRebel

Just one question (for now) -- How do you hold the razor when shaving in an upwards direction?

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As always 99% of shaving with a straight razor is ‘Personal Preference’!

Personally, I hold the razor the same way no matter which direction I’m shaving (up/down/across etc.

It’s with my index finger and my thumb and perhaps with my middle finger for support! All the time holding very gently!!

Thanks for all the help. It was a lot better this morning -- no blood and an AFS (Almost Fine Shave). Last week I had a 5 o'clock shadow by 8 AM -- this morning I was still passable.
The grip is getting more comfortable, and my lather making abilities are getting better. Now all I need is a better brush -- every time I shake this one or try to whip up some lather, the knot falls out of the handle (I know where I'm not shopping anymore!). A new brush is down the road, but I will try to reglue this one tonight.

And I refuse to fall into the trap of the various ADs -- all I need now is another razor, another brush, some more soaps, a few after shaves ...

Good to hear that you are getting improved results. You know you could try re-gluing the knot with some epoxy.

Bob