Thread: New Member

Just thought I should post and introduce myself...

I've been wet shaving (with a brush and good quality shaving cream at least) since I had the good fortune to wander into Taylor's shop on Jermyn Street in London three years ago or so. Though I guess I've always wet shaved, in the sense of using hot water to soften my beard, for as long as I've /been/ shaving.

As far as shaving with a straight razor, that's relatively new - a few weeks really. Like a lot of the posts I've read, my first time out was a disaster, because my razor wasn't sharp enough, but I've learned that lesson. Amazingly, it was sharp enough to cut my ear and, the next morning (a full 24 hours later), leave me with a few thin red lines of cuts I'd never even noticed. And yikes, the razor burn. The family noticed.

I also discovered that I'm not enough of a contortionist to shave with a stright razor using only my right (dominant) hand, as I do with a safety razor. So, learning to switch hands halfway through was a bit of a trick. I also tend to start on one cheek and then shave all the way around my face, instead of doing, for example, both sides, then the neck and chin. Don't know why that is.

So, I'm still working on it, but I'm not giving up. The results have been getting steadily better. And it's not like the 50 pack of bic two-blade razors will go to waste - I'm not the only one in the house who shaves.

-Keith

Hi, Keith.

Thanks for saying 'hi'. It's good to see the new passions showing up here now as it was with me earlier in the year. Keep improving your technique and I don't think you'll be having problems for long. Those red lines you talk about are something I've had regularly, but are disappearing from my shaves as my hands learn their way around my face. I hope you will learn also with us to help you, and that you will help us all learn by sharing your experiences as well. Welcome.

X

Welcome Keith, it's nice to see some new faces (maybe the craiglist posts are working!!) At any rate, enjoy the forums and don't miss the Sunday night chats, real time help!

Enjoy.

D.

Welcome Keith!

You'll find this is a great place to hang your hat from time to time. Lots of gents her can impart great information, so if you have questions, don't be afraid to speak up and participate!

RT

Welcome Keith!

There are some really good people here so don't be shy about asking questions. We all enjoy Str8"s and many of us are in the 12 step program.
We can talk aout that later tho.

Like Randy said, if you have any questions...no matter how dumb you may think they are, they will get answered by anyone from a newbie who has been there or a seasoned veteran. The guys out here are the greatest group of straight razor folks out on the web. Everyone was once a newbie and asked the same questions. So don't hold back.

Keep up the shaving with the straight. It will get better and you'll find the right techique that's right for your face and beard.

But, you have to be patient. You're learning a lost art. Becoming an expert won't happen overnight. Enjoy the journey...

Jeff

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

Like Randy said, if you have any questions...no matter how dumb you may think they are, they will get answered by anyone from a newbie who has been there or a seasoned veteran. The guys out here are the greatest group of straight razor folks out on the web. Everyone was once a newbie and asked the same questions. So don't hold back.

Hi and welcome to the group...

Be sure to check the help section on this site, and soak all the information there also.

Nenad

Keith,


That sounded like my first experience with a str8. It does get better with time and experience and true there are no dumb questions only dumb answers.

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

I'm sure I will enjoy it more as I get better, but it is good to have that "me" time in the morning - even if I have to get up a bit earlier to make sure I can get it done before work.

The only question is whether I can get good enough to get a close shave for court, or if I'll have to use a safety razor on those days until I become more proficient.

Hard to make an argument when you're blotting your bleeding face with your hanky every few moments.

-Keith

Keith,

You will find you will cut yourself at the worst possible times. I don't know why but it happens. I shave with a str8 every morning before work. Sometimes I do come in with nicks.