Greetings from Crystal Lake, IL

Hello everyone,
I joined the forum when I started wet-shaving five years ago but I just retired and bought a Ralf Aust straight razor
and started learning how to use a straight razor. Watched Lynn's DVD and started last week just doing my cheeks, but
I used both hands and didn't have any mishaps. I was pretty nervous and anything short of having to call 9-1-1 was
going to be considered a success. Did my second shave today and went a little further down over the jaw without
incident, and I was encouraged that I felt much more comfortable with the feel of the razor. The only problem I seem
to be having is that my hand is blocking my view of the mirror so I can't really see what I'm doing. Any suggestions
would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Y

Hi. Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

You might try pivoting your whole body to get a different view. I wear glasses and sometimes, between the earpieces on the glasses and the razor I can't see the area between the cheekbone and sideburn. I use memory and touch to cover these spots. Or maybe buy a small, fold out mirror.

I'm not being flip...

Just practice, and you will figure it out! At first being able to see anything will seem a mystery but you WILL figure it out.

Hello and welcome to SRP!
Sight lines and viewing angles can be a little tough at first but with a little time and practice will become easier and more natural. A big part of straight razor shaving is figuring out what works for you. Lines of sight, razor strokes, which hands to use in various places are all a part of the learning curve. Its a pretty personal thing and we all have differences. Take your time and stay in your comfort zone. If something doesn't feel right put the razor down and take a breather.
A little time and practice will be well rewarded and in no time you'll be shaving like an old pro.

By the way, congratulations on your retirement. It's a great thing.
Good luck and enjoy the forum!

Pete <:-}

By the way, check in with Rolodave. He is considering doing a meet-up this spring and it would not be that far from you. You could get a lot of one on one help at a meet-up.

really? Dave is? I know that's one id have to make Tc

Hi and welcome aboard. You can practice using a butter knife and see what positions allow you to see etc. Good luck and any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to SRP!
A lot of great folks and info here. As said, just keep trying and the advice given is solid.
Enjoy and have fun!

Welcome to the SRP forum.

I live only a few miles from your location in Crystal Lake. If you need any personal help, send me a private message and we can meet.

I have been shaving a few months now, so I still have a lot to learn. However, when I get into something new, I go all-in. I have learned a lot from the shaving forums and YouTube videos. I have acquired several razors, a set of hones, strops, soaps, creams, etc.

I have a Ralf Aust with African Blackwood scales in my collection. I love it, so you made a good choice. I just ordered a Jerry Stark razor to add to my growing collection. It should arrive later this week.

Welcome to SRP!! Definitely keep up tue practice and don't be afraid to try alternate positions or approaches like reaching over the top of your head or around from behind your head... That may get your arm/hand out of the way yet still allow the skin stretching you need with your fingers. ?? My routine changed this last year as well and I now wear my glasses while I cut lines around my goatee prior to the rest of the shave... Went from "... using The Force..." type cuts to having basically no idea where the edge was exactly and just hoping t came out right... Glasses are a bit in the way but being able to see is just too valuable a tool to lose. :D

Welcome to the forum. :)