Thread: I Did it! I did it! woo hoo!

hello everyone,
I have been lurking here for a few weeks now but I decided its finally time to post. I had my first straight razor shave today! It actually went pretty well too.
Now i didn't deliberatly decide to ignore all the great advice on here, it kind of just happened because i'm a cheap skate.
I do have a few small nicks on my face but not too bad, i didnt even notice them untill the lather started having small red spots in it, i think i will go shopping for a styptic pencil today.
so here are the details

pre shave, Hot shower
Brush, some $6 synthetic thing from the supermarket
soap, palmolive shave stick
razor, here is the fun part. My dad bought a box of junk at a yard sale about 5 years ago and i remembered that it contained a straight razor, so i decided to rummage through his garage and sure enough there it was. against all good advice i decided to hone it myself and using the 3m lapping sheets i got the edge to a beautiful mirror polish that shaves quite well. The razor is about a 5/8 black plastic scales, round tip, Half hollow. And it has ACME on the blade and "made in sweden" on the tang.

My face isn't exactly baby butt smooth but some parts are and the rest will be one day, its not the best shave i have ever had but it sure was the most fun.
Thanks for reading, I look forward to reading and writing more posts from now on.

Brett

Brett, welcome to the forum. I'm glad to hear that your first shave went quite well considering. I would like to suggest that you look in the classifieds and send your razor to a professional to be honed. Learning to straight shave is not easy. I could be wrong but I think you will grow to hate getting nicked up daily. A well honed razor should shave well with light pressure and shouldn't nick you up. Learn to shave first, then learn to hone. Keep persevering.

Good deal! Glad you are not all cut up....
I agree with the sending it out to be honed.
It is cheap enough and will give you an idea what you are shooting for.

Congrats on the shave and welcome to the community. Time to get that razor honed up if you think it needs a pri touch to see what a real edge feels like. You didnt mention if you have a strop. If you dont you should make that your next purchase too. You can find some fairly cheap and if you PM me I could give you some suggestions for where to get one for really really cheap if your on a tight budget

Thanks for the welcome guys.
I dont think the blade actually needs a further hone, the nicks are only on the left side of my face, the right hand side went fine. i think its just my awkwardness at trying to reach across my face. I do have plans to send another razor i have off for honing for comparison once i clean up the blade a bit.
brett

Love to see a bit of the adventurous spirit happening. Well done on your first shave, now get that razor honed right and really go to town.


Mick

Brett welcome. Need a few more in perth those easterners were taking over(looking at you mick ) In Perth in a barber I know. He will check your blade for free and will show you stropping etc and will hone for about $10 and then run over some paddles I made him with Crox Alox etc to.3micron. He's willing to help does free touch ups and a great bloke. Also give you a proper straight shave if you ask. Is hair by Frank Barbarich in lower level Trinity arcade. Tell him Ed sent you.

HA! I never noticed...Another bloody Sandgroper!


Mick

Originally Posted by holmsy2000

...the right hand side went fine. i think its just my awkwardness at trying to reach across my face. brett

Welcome! Don't forget, when you reach across with your right hand the only thing between your razor and your left cheek is your nose and chin. Consider training your non-dominant hand to get the other side. Great introduction, by the way. Love the enthusiasm.

Jeepers - WA. There are enough of you guys here to start a well groomed rugby team.

Welcome to the forum, Brett. I can appreciate your enthusiasm. I went all the way the first time too. It left a small blood trail but was quite an experience. I finally had my first straight and couldn't wait to give it a go. Received my first set on Fathers day 2013. I had read up on the process and was ready to go when it arrived. Found out that it wasn't as shave ready as it needed to be. It has been getting better with each and every shave since. Bought my hones and a few more razors to work on and looking forward to years of fun with the straights.