Thread: Better late than never

Old newbie here. I found this place about a week ago. Started straight razor shaving maybe two months ago because I hated shaving the conventional way, and I have always been intrigued when watching people (actors) shaving with straight razors on TV. I've always wanted to do it.

My first shave went pretty good, in my honest opinion... I didn't have to call Emergency Medical Services. I had a weeks worth of growth (about 1/8" or more full beard) and from what I had learned up to that time, one should always shave against the growth... which I did, except for my upper lip... it hurt too much. No hot shower, no hot towel... just hot water, canned lather, liquid courage and determination.

Most of the bleeding was from the jaw area and areas not real flat and smoothe. Today it's a lot better. I do have a cup, soap and brush on order and expect them any day now.

I have learned quite a bit from this site and expect to continue to learn quite a bit more as I progress into this pleasant experience. I actually enjoy shaving now. I also have another razor on order and most likely will have a collection before you know it.

Originally Posted by groundrush

[...]I had learned up to that time, one should always shave against the growth... which I did, except for my upper lip... it hurt too much. No hot shower, no hot towel... just hot water, canned lather, liquid courage and determination.

Most of the bleeding [...]

OUCH! For sticking with it after that, I have no doubt you have the desire and patience to learn to use a straight razor. If you haven't already, have a pro hone up your razor so you know that isn't a problem...

...other than that, welcome to SRP!

Thank you for the welcome. I've always been the adventurous type and when I want to try something I usually jump in with both feet.

I did the same thing with skydiving. I always wanted to do it and I ended up jumping out of airplanes every weekend for six years. I can't tell you which is safer at this time...LOL... I never bled after a jump.

Anyway... thank you for the welcome. I do intend to get my blade re-honed, as it appears to have a slight nick on the tip. I'll wait til I get my new blade.

I will have some of questions for you folks. I hope you are patient with me. I seem to have learned a lot already through trial and error. Of course, that is the best way to learn for me sometimes.

I think you will be in for a pleasant surprise when you shave properly and with a good blade and beard prep.

Seeing the words, "Most of the bleeding..." in the description of someone's first shave is a bit scary. I'm glad to see you are sticking with it though.

Originally Posted by groundrush

My first shave went pretty good, in my honest opinion... I didn't have to call Emergency Medical Services . . . Most of the bleeding was from the jaw area and areas not real flat and smoothe. Today it's a lot better. . .

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?

Seriously, welcome aboard. After that experience, you really must have gotten the bug bad to stick with it. +1 to recommendations to get your blade honed. What razor do you have?

markevens... it's been two months since that first remarkable experience. I have learned to handle the razor much better. However, I continue to be a bit lax on the beard prep part. I should tend to take more care on that, but I really only get a nick now and then. I do have a mug, brush and soap on the way.

I shave right handed only... must wear glasses to see (a handicap there) Most nicks are on left side of jawline where I really can't see too well because of limited eyesight with glasses.... I really shave by feel there. I use a finger as a sort of depth gauge... it seems to work well... gets better every time. Only had one nick last time, over an old nick from the time before.

Everyone developes their own style I guess. When you bleed... you tend to learn fast.


durhampiper: I love your humor... the razor I am currently slicing away with is The Butchers' Best... C-MON Cadillac 5/8" I'm sure it is a fine razor. It gives me a fine shave. I just had a bloody learning curve, as I'm sure most beginners do. I just dove right in. No pain, no gain. The next couple of shaves were much better. I just need better prep.

I am soon to expect delivery on a Boker Edelweiss 5/8", appears full hollow ground, shave ready. And when that comes in I will send the Cadillac out for honing.

I also have a couple oldie razors on Ebay that I bought that I would like to have honed for use... I'm a glutton for punishment, I know.

I would like to hone my own... I am in Industrial Maintenance and we have our own Tool Maker Shop, so I am familiar with all that kind of stuff. All I need is the grade of stones. I seen the video of Lynn... very nice.

I will be picking you guys brains for everything you know about straight razor shaving.