Thread: A Beginner Hoping for a Reality Check!

Thanks, Mick!

Again, I really want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my first post and to offer suggestions. I was pretty frustrated when I made the post, after several bad initial shaves. Today I did a double pass shave with the straight razor, WTG on both passes, and I was very pleased with the results. I'm still "iffy" with my left hand and on my chin, but the results were acceptable and I didn't have to clean up with the DE razor. And again no cuts! I'm really taking my time and concentrating, and I'm using the suggestions that people made in their posts. It takes a long time (30 - 35 minutes from the time I start until I finish), so I don't see myself using a straight every day, but at least now I can envision a future time when I'll be reasonably proficient (and safe). Thanks again to all.

One little trick that helped me, and still does, when putting the razor to your face is to do so pulling the edge in a backward motion (same as when you strop) as it touches your face so that the edge can't engage until you begin moving it forward. It helps when you are having trouble seeing clearly in the mirror.

Originally Posted by DCB2

Again, I really want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my first post and to offer suggestions. I was pretty frustrated when I made the post, after several bad initial shaves. Today I did a double pass shave with the straight razor, WTG on both passes, and I was very pleased with the results. I'm still "iffy" with my left hand and on my chin, but the results were acceptable and I didn't have to clean up with the DE razor. And again no cuts! I'm really taking my time and concentrating, and I'm using the suggestions that people made in their posts. It takes a long time (30 - 35 minutes from the time I start until I finish), so I don't see myself using a straight every day, but at least now I can envision a future time when I'll be reasonably proficient (and safe). Thanks again to all.

No worries. Not to depress you.but I take at least as long as you, but I do usually get good, mostly very smooth shaves. Keep at it. At some point you will have a really nice, really quite smooth shave and you will think wow that was actually worth all if the effort.

Originally Posted by DCB2

Again, I really want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my first post and to offer suggestions. I was pretty frustrated when I made the post, after several bad initial shaves. Today I did a double pass shave with the straight razor, WTG on both passes, and I was very pleased with the results. I'm still "iffy" with my left hand and on my chin, but the results were acceptable and I didn't have to clean up with the DE razor. And again no cuts! I'm really taking my time and concentrating, and I'm using the suggestions that people made in their posts. It takes a long time (30 - 35 minutes from the time I start until I finish), so I don't see myself using a straight every day, but at least now I can envision a future time when I'll be reasonably proficient (and safe). Thanks again to all.

Great to see things are getting better!

I've been shaving with a straight for about five years now and *still* don't use my left hand much at all. In fact, when I do it's only because I think "I should really get used to using my left hand...". So while I'd encourage everyone who starts out to at least try using both hands, don't worry about it if it takes time for your left hand to keep pace with your right. We all know how tricky it can be to get the hang of this stuff with the dominant hand, so add in the challenge of using your other hand and it's bound to take extra time and practice. That having been said - don't give up on your left. I now wish I had taught myself how to use both when I started, so it will be worth it in the long run.

And as most will agree: chins are very tricky! So just as with using your other hand, it will take time. But hang in there, and it will get not only better, but faster.

EDIT: forgot to say: for now at least, try not to worry about the time this takes. If you can, shave at a time when you simply don't have to rush. I like shaving at night so I can just relax and never worry about rushing. While my shaves are much quicker these days, eliminating the need to rush when I was starting out was a big help. And with time, it became a very relaxing, almost zen-like ritual that now sends me off to dreamland nicely.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Great to see things are getting better!

I've been shaving with a straight for about five years now and *still* don't use my left hand much at all. In fact, when I do it's only because I think "I should really get used to using my left hand...". So while I'd encourage everyone who starts out to at least try using both hands, don't worry about it if it takes time for your left hand to keep pace with your right. We all know how tricky it can be to get the hang of this stuff with the dominant hand, so add in the challenge of using your other hand and it's bound to take extra time and practice. That having been said - don't give up on your left. I now wish I had taught myself how to use both when I started, so it will be worth it in the long run.

And as most will agree: chins are very tricky! So just as with using your other hand, it will take time. But hang in there, and it will get not only better, but faster.

EDIT: forgot to say: for now at least, try not to worry about the time this takes. If you can, shave at a time when you simply don't have to rush. I like shaving at night so I can just relax and never worry about rushing. While my shaves are much quicker these days, eliminating the need to rush when I was starting out was a big help. And with time, it became a very relaxing, almost zen-like ritual that now sends me off to dreamland nicely.

Apart from the 5 years, and the fact that I am a lefty, I could have written that. Good advice.

Thanks again all. I shaved with the straight again today (2 passes WTG) and again got a passable shave with no cuts. I'm really trying to take my time and go light, and that is making a big difference. I'm also getting into a routine on "how to order" my strokes. It's a lot different than the "one side, then the other, and then the goatee" that I use with a DE razor, but it seems to be working and I no longer feel like I'm experimenting with every stroke. Thanks again for the tips and the encouragement.

DCB2,
It's great that you are getting "passable shave with no cuts" now.
Like you, I was considering not SR shaving everyday because of the time it took, but I decided to just start my morning routine earlier. As a result, I've cut my time by 1/3 to 1/2 (depending on number of passes). I've posted before the mantra from Jump Master School: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast. It takes time to 'unlearn' the lessons and muscle memory stored up from decades of electric razors and multi-blade plastics. Enjoy the learning process and make it a priority.
Best of luck for continued and increased success.

Thanks Colonel G and everyone else for the tips and the encouragement. I've been shaving with the straight every day for 1 1/2 weeks, and my shaves are getting much better. I get up a little early and take my time, and it's starting to pay off. I'm still having some difficulties with pressure, angle, and consistency, but the shaves are getting better, I enjoy the meditative aspects of the shave, and I'm having a lot of fun. Thanks again to all.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Great to see things are getting better!

I've been shaving with a straight for about five years now and *still* don't use my left hand much at all. In fact, when I do it's only because I think "I should really get used to using my left hand...". So while I'd encourage everyone who starts out to at least try using both hands, don't worry about it if it takes time for your left hand to keep pace with your right. We all know how tricky it can be to get the hang of this stuff with the dominant hand, so add in the challenge of using your other hand and it's bound to take extra time and practice. That having been said - don't give up on your left. I now wish I had taught myself how to use both when I started, so it will be worth it in the long run.

And as most will agree: chins are very tricky! So just as with using your other hand, it will take time. But hang in there, and it will get not only better, but faster.

EDIT: forgot to say: for now at least, try not to worry about the time this takes. If you can, shave at a time when you simply don't have to rush. I like shaving at night so I can just relax and never worry about rushing. While my shaves are much quicker these days, eliminating the need to rush when I was starting out was a big help. And with time, it became a very relaxing, almost zen-like ritual that now sends me off to dreamland nicely.

+1 on this post. I like you started out using both hands -- and nicking myself. Until I asked around and found out that sticking with a dominant hand works just as well.