Thread: First SR Shave (sort of)

Hello all! I started shaving back in February with a old school safety razor that I got at a second hand store. I also purchased an old straight razor that was in good condition but needed a hone. I played with the SR some and honed it.....but I only have a 6k grit hone for my woodworking tools and never felt like I could get it sharp enough. So I have been happy with the DE razor but I hate the idea of anything disposable!

So last week I broke down an purchased a Dovo 'Palisander' 6/8 full hollow ground round point razor from The Straight Razor Place. I did not know the meaning of sharp!! This morning I used it for the first time. Right hand, Left hand, most of my throat, started nicking myself around the chin so I stopped...............well not really. I shave my head and started to attempt to shave it as well. But reason took hold and I got the DE out. It is really amazing what a wonderful feeling it is; both the feel of the shave and the results. I love the Dovo, it has much more heft than my 1900 vintage blade. Though, I fully intend to master the art of honing on that blade.

BTW this is also my first post!

Welcome aboard! I said the exact thing when I got a razor back from Lynn. Boy was that thing sharp. Your antique razor might just need a little TLC and some more work on the hones. A 6,000 grit hone probably would not due the job if the edge has some major issues. For example, it might need a bevel reset and chip removal. It also will not put the final polish on the edge like 8,000+ grit will do. It is also nice to have a natural or synthetic finisher to really bring the edge home.

Originally Posted by Mephisto

Welcome aboard! I said the exact thing when I got a razor back from Lynn. Boy was that thing sharp. Your antique razor might just need a little TLC and some more work on the hones. A 6,000 grit hone probably would not due the job if the edge has some major issues. For example, it might need a bevel reset and chip removal. It also will not put the final polish on the edge like 8,000+ grit will do. It is also nice to have a natural or synthetic finisher to really bring the edge home.

Thanks Mephisto--The blade is actually in really good shape and ALMOST sharp enough. There are no chips and the bevel is okay....I think, it will shave just not very comfortably! I will be looking for an 8-12k after some more research.

I used my new straight this morning for the first time. Did my whole face with a .
WTG pass. Not really very close, but that's what everybody says to expect from the first shave. I did discover a good way to tell if the blade is sharp enough though; if you don't know that you're cut until you see the blood. Got one small nick between my lower lip and chin. All in all, went pretty well! Looking forward to tomorrow morning. I'll just slow down and take my time

I decided NOT to shave this morning. One, my face is still tender from my shave yesterday. It is amazing how close the SR cuts. Secondly, I did not get much sleep last night and felt it would be imprudent to shave not being on top of my game!

I'm pretty much on the same pace that you are. I started about a week ago and am slowly building to my whole face, but focusing more on sideburn to jawline (with which I'm most comfortable), and have added in my neck and chin, focusing more on getting the angle right than trying for a close shave there. My "upper face", I'm now getting a great BBS shave. My neck and chin are average shaves, but as good as I get with a fast cartridge shave, which I've been using forever, to get to work fast in the morning. Today may be below the nose day. I'm enjoying going slowly and perfecting technique. So far not one nick or razor burn! Good luck and keep going. I think skipping a day when you feel irritation is really smart.

A girl I have been dating asked me why? This was my response:

These are my reasons for wanting to shave with a straight razor.
1- I hate disposable things. I know somethings wear out and must be replaced.....but I prefer things that last

2- I love tools! My SR is a lovely tool, very feminine, and very well made.

3- I like processes. I started using the old style safety razor (you might have seen it and my brush/mug in the bathroom) a few months ago as a prelude to the SR. It is a very methodical process. Strop the razor on the leather strop, warm your face with hot water, build up a good lather, lather up your face, shave. It is hard to explain.

4- The shave I get from a safety razor is very close, but (and I had heard this but only today experienced it) the shave from a straight razor is incredible!

5- I am good with my hands and enjoy using tools. See #2

6-I like a challenge.

I am sure there are others too..........maybe a bit suicidal.

She said it must be a guy thing

Welcome and good luck. I'm also on the start of the learning curve but it's been great fun.