Thread: New Member From Wisconsin

Hello gents and ladies,
I'm a newbie to straight razor shaving and am pumped about going old school shaving. I literally just started yesterday and had my second shave today. My first shave went ok, I mainly had troubles maneuvering the razor around my face and what felt comfortable. Today did not go so well. When I finished my face was pretty red abd blotchy especially on my neck. What I have noticed is that my lather seems to dry out quickly and tends to flake off like chalk. I think my water to soap mixture may be off. Another thing I have noticed is that it seems my razor tugs more on my neck hair then anywhere else. Could this be because I'm not stretching the skin enough. Any advise and tips are appropriated.

Drew

Use more water and more time whipping it up to solve your lather problem and watch your angles and pressure re: the blotchiness. Also, stretching is key. My comments assume you got a real "shave ready" razor

The lather sounds like you need more water. Also try only lathering one part of your face at a time to help with the drying issue. Angle and stretching is a large part of the learning process. Pressure should be just enough to wipe the lather off. Good luck. Ed

Hey all,
Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. My set up for shaving consists of a Dovo 5/8 ebony wood silver steel that I ordered from Vintage Blades. From what if read the blade is professionally honed by Lynn. I will keep everyone posted on how the shaves are coming along each day.

Hi Drew,
Lather problems can usually be fixed with experimentation and practice, unless you have a terrible soap. It sounds like you have an idea of the problem, and it has been covered already here too.
With regards to your neck, have you checked the direction your hair grows? Most of us seem to have hair on our necks that grows from side to side rather than up and down. Once you have figured out your beard map, then you can work out the best way to tackle it. If you have a squiz at the beginner's, and shaving with a straight razor forums there are quite a few threads there already regarding this and ways to tackle it. And stretching is key.
All the best, ed.

Hi Drew, If I can help, let me know! You are off to a good start!
~Richard

Hey everyone,
Today's shave went pretty decent. I feel I had a good lather that didn't dry out right away. I'm still having issues shaving my neck. It seems the blade doesnt want to glide across my skin. As of now I'm shaving with the grain trying to get a comfortable healthy looking shave. I don't know about anyother new comers to straight razors but i feel it would be damn near impossible to go atg with out major razor burn. Keep suggesting tips everyone I really appreciate your input.

Drew