Thread: First (and second) shave!

Last night:
Shower, hot towel, Tom's shaving cream, badger hair brush, round point razor, one pass with the grain.

Today:
Shower, conditioner on beard, lather, hot towel, more lather, badger hair brush, Pollena Lider shaving cream, square point razor, one pass with the grain, relather, then one against.


The first shave was slow and carefull, not too smooth but no major cuts or nicks. I tried going against the grain, but the razor seemed to be grabbing too much, so I gave up. On the second shave, I tried dropping the blade untill it was almost touching the skin when I was going against and it went much smoother, very smooth shave, no nicks. Is there a reason to try to keep the angle steeper if it's not tugging on hairs?

One problem I did have involved going against the grain on my neck. It seemed almost imposible to get the blade angled corectly. I tried holding it with either hand, pointing the scales in every direction, etc but could only get a sort of 45 degree against the grain in certain spots. It seems like maybe a shorter blade, 1.5" or 2", might be better at getting around there. Does anyone make a shorter blade, or could one be shortened? Any advice there?

I've enjoyed myself so much so far that I went out and picked up a Norton water stone on sale at a local woodworking supply store, and then poked around a local antique shop untill I found what looks like a restorable razor.
It's almost identicle to this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...7779&rd=1&rd=1
except that it says Lee's Radium Gold on one side, and LEE MFG CO CHICAGO on the other. I figure it'll be a good practice piece for honing. Can't wait to get started.

Evan

Hey, Evan. I haven't been using a straight razor for long, but it seems ,that for against the grain, a light touch and low angle works for me --also, doing a good job on the with-the-grain passes (knocking down them stubble) is important.

The neck area seems to be a problem for most new guys and maybe even more experienced fellos. Take a close look and get a good idea of the "lay" of your stubble. I'm sure others will give you some tips --good skin stretching is one --- but as far as I can tell it's going to only improve with practice. I have problems here as well and never can get those valleys on either side of the adam's apple very good. Anyway, keep at it and good luck.

Justin

Welcome and good job!

Yep - stretching is king there!

This may be heresy (or even worse - I have read it's recommended by the Method shaving folks ) but:

On my neck I do a combination against and across the grain on the first pass - mostly against. I stretch and use as little pressure as I can.

I only do it because for what I have to work with (hair growth pattern and neck specifics) - shaving with the grain there is impractical, too much trouble (separate sections) and / or I find hard to control the blade well enough at the required angle. I rarely do multiple passes, but I also cannot say I get BBS shaves. My priority is comfort, and as many soaps (which I use because I like the scent) may irritate my skin after some time, I prefer to do fewer passes most of the time.

Cheers
Ivo

Way to go Evan, glad you're enjoying yourself. Practice, practice, practice. I just started with XTG passes regularly and it does take some getting used to. These strokes feel awkward and tentative. They do get easier though. Be patient and keep at it.

Jordan