Thread: First time straight razor shave

I remember going to the barber shop (4-5 barbers) in the 60's as a kid on Saturdays with my dad and about every other guy got a straight razor shave with hot towel, hot lather and after shave. I remember watching those barbers (all Italians) strop their razors while the hot towels did their work. So about 3 years ago I finally asked an old barber who was getting ready to retire to give me a shave. The hot towels were great, but the shave wasn't. Wow, was I ever disappointed. I guess he was old, out of practice or whatever. Sort of gave up on the idea until about a month ago and started doing some research. I've been using shaving soap and brush for about 20 years, but never thought about using a straight razor. I thought they were inferior, little did I know. I had gone back to Trac II from a Mach 3 due to poor quality of shave, blade cost, short blade life and little control with multiblades. I was surprised to find SRP and that str8 razor shave was deemed the closet & best shave of any. Ordered new outfit from SRDesigns last week and arrive Monday. I was scared to put the Boker King Cutter to my face this morning, but tried right cheek WTG right hand and left cheek WTG left hand. Wow, no problems so far, but taking advice from beginners page and taking it slow. I was really surprised that I didn't cut myself and actually cut whiskers while getting the feel for the proper blade angle. I couldn't believe how sharp and thin the blade actually is. It was the first time I'd ever even had a straight razor in my hand. I plan to try the same tomorrow and learn as I go. Looking forward to the day I can do my whole face. I actually have been using tips from this site for a couple of weeks (like stretching my skin) while using a Trac II and never had a better shave with that type razor. Nobody really taught me how to shave as I recall. Dad said lather up out of the can and here's a Trac II razor and you just take off the lather. Wasn't much else said. Can't thank members enough for all the helpful advice, photos, comments, links and video clips on how to use a straight razor and all related equipment. I'm not sure I would have tried a straight razor without all this great information and community of support. Once I can do my whole face, I don't plan to ever use anything but a straight razor. I wish I'd started 35 years ago.