Thread: The old new fellow

Update, I got a DFS this morning (Dang Fair Shave - "Dang" because I can't believe I got it) even though I decided to give it a go when I had to be somewhere early. Normally, I would take my time on a lazy morning, but I thought if I'm going to do this, I need to start out like I mean to hold out. I got a fair shave, but I did get a few more nicks than I would like. One nick is more than I would like! I still think that hairs shave better when there are more of them to shave, so maybe I'll lay off for a day or three and try it again on Saturday. I figure my blade must be good or I would cut myself all over and have burn everywhere, but since I only have issues in places I always seem to have issues with any razor, then I guess I'm doing pretty well. I have also gone back to watching videos and things to pick up on subtleties that I didn't notice the first time...like various grips, stroke lengths, etc. It's funny, in some places I can shave just as easily and effectively, but in others, like the places where my face is trying to reach the floor, I would probably be better off just trying to cut that part out of my face. I have also removed the blade from the cheap chinese shavette to practice strokes in the mirror a time or two. I shave great with a bladeless shavette, just not so close! I haven't cut myself with it once! Oddly enough, I was pretty good with my off hand this morning. I think another issue for a newbie like me is simply getting used to handling a surgically sharp blade. It's one thing with a big handle and a sheath, but make it little, light, shiny, and super scary sharp, and I get all jittery and stuff. Again I appreciate all of the support. Thus far I'm pretty satisfied, and I realize that improvement will come with time and repetition. It is kind of humbling to think that once upon a time, all men shaved this way...except I guess those who couldn't master it went to the barber. I figure if I want something done right, I've got to learn to do it myself. Happy New Year gents.

Really great to see you're persevering, I had loads of problems with my left hand but about 100 shaves in it seems to be my best hand now smoother strokes and lighter pressure. I agree with your comments about different angles and holds, funny thing is I can't tell you when all this came together, it just sort of happened. Also I can now tell when a razor needs some work as my technique has improved to the extent I know it's not the way I'm using the blade. Keep us informed on your progress.

UPDATE! To any of you other newbies out there, let me know if you know what I'm talking about tonight. I spent a lot of time today reading on SRP about all kinds of stuff from preshave prep to stropping, honing, concealed carry, practically everything. Actually, I was waiting for my beard to grow so I could try another Straight Shave, but I wanted to make sure the time was right and the stars were in proper alignment. After my DFS (Decidedly Fair Shave) yesterday, I thought maybe I needed to wait a little while to let the good luck have a chance to flow back my way like waves on the beach. OK, so I finally decided to take the jump tonight after supper as my daughter and wife overruled me on the TV show choices, so I decided to escape to my mancave...actually now it's a shave cave (6'x4' full bath with shower), to practice our art in private.

OK, so the stars were not aligned properly, at least they didn't seem to be after my sideburn to jaw shave test WTG. Heck, I even went to extremes with preshave prep hoping the test of my fairly new razor would prove it is indeed shave ready and only my method stinks. Well, after the first N-S pass, hardly any whiskers were gone. OK, so maybe my angle wasn't right, or perhaps the lather was too dry, or maybe my mouth should be closed, or was that open, hell I don't know. The more I shaved, the more I got determined to get something right...but with a little intimidation about the possibility of ending up like that jerk who cut his throat goofing around in that video. I got a few nicks here and there, but I also jumped right into ATG in spots that typically don't get too close. Re-lather, try some more, slap on some more water with another brush stroke, try another pass only with a different stroke. I must have shaved some places four or five times, but out of those times I must have gotten something right.

After giving up for done, and jumping in the shower, I realized that I really did get a fairly close shave even if I did have to fight for it. Now, the way I see it, if I had a dull razor, or a rolled edge, I wouldn't be able to get a close shave anywhere on my face no matter what I did, so it must be me and not my razor. The fact is that after yesterday, I felt pretty good about my shave but it was mediocre. Tonight, I didn't feel good about my methods at all...let me say that again for emphasis, AT ALL, but yet I ended up with a better shave than yesterday. I'm not quite sure what to think, but I think I like the way a close shave feels no matter the means to get there. I think I'll lay off tomorrow and try again Saturday morning after the stars have had a chance to get back into alignment. I read today where one fellow said that things went well for him up until something like his 17th shave and BANG, he got bit. I can totally see that. OK, here's to a happy straight razor new year. Maybe this time next year I will think back about tonight and just laugh. Happy New Year Gents. Rob

Happy new year Rob, glad it is coming together for you. It does take persistence and you've got that. Sometimes every other day is easier on the face too, if you can get by with shaving every other day.