Thread: Greatings from a Newbie in Knoxville TN

Dabbled a little with DE Safety razor shaving and felt I would do better with a straight as I can see/control the blade better (that theory remains to be proven). Bought a shave ready Grah and Plumacher from Bob Keyes. It sat for a week waiting for me to give it a try when I wasn't in a rush. Also knew after using it I'd have to restrop before using again which makes me more nervous then actually using the razor. Anyway:

Hot water rinsing of face while Edwin Jagger Badger Brush is soaking in the hot water. Used some lemon CO Bilgelow lotion to moisturize the face as a preshave and put a hot wash clothe over my face for a few minutes. Then worked up a lather on my face using some Trumpers Rose shave cream and went to work. After an initial spotty first pass reapplied more lather and gave another pass. After a cool rinse and an aluminum block over the face for a few nicks , I applied some Nivea after shave balm and took a look and feel of the results. I have to say, I was surprised I didn't have more then the few I had and had a MUCH better shave then the guy that I went to last week and payed for a straight razor shave (He's on Clinton Hwy for you locals and uses a magic shave from Sally's Beauty supply = BIG disappointment ) I have a LONG way to go as far as technic is concerned I'm sure. My biggest problem is trying to see thru these stinkin BiFocals as I turn my head . Don't know if I'll ever get to where it's a daily routine or weekend me-time event.

Thanks to all who are a part of this forum as I did a whole lot of reading before I dipped my toes in the water.

That's a real looker you have there. Take your time and the results will come. Be sure to know where that point is at all times.

Welcome! Always nice to have another Tennessean here. I live about 6 blocks from Bob, great guy with some really nice razors.

I make it to Knoxville every now and then as one of my daughters and her husband reside there.

Congratulations on your first straight razor shave. Don't worry too much about seeing (I know that sounds counter intuitive). After you gain experience you will know what I mean.

Welcome Misunderstood!

Good to see more Tennesseans! I'm a Tennessee expatriate, living in Alabama. I'm a 1984 graduate of UT. I'm a native Memphian and lived there most of my life.

As others have said, be patient. When I first started using a straight I shaved more at night than in the morning so I wouldn't feel rushed. As I became more comfortable with the routine I started shaving more in the morning.

Although there are a lot of good soaps & creams out there, I'm addicted to Crabtree & Evelyn products. There is a C&E store in West Town Mall somewhat toward the east end of the mall. I've bought from them from during a recent visit to Knoxville. Despite the fact that they are "high end", the shaving soaps & creams are affordable.

Nice razor.

Have fun!

Greg

Thanks for the welcomes guys as well as the advice. I certainly didn't set any speed record in the shave, but was more interested in focusing on technic and improving as I go, so took my time. I'll have to check C&E next time I'm at west Town Mall. I'm originally from PA, but have lived in East Tn since 1986 and Knoxville for the past 6 years. Again, thanks for the tips. I'm all ears for tidbits from the experienced regulars here.

Don't worry about speed at all. It will come with time. The more you shave with a str8, the more you'll realize it's not about BBS or being fast. It's about enjoying the experience. It's about making something you once dreaded/hated doing and making it something you look forward to every day.

Don't hesitate to ask questions!

Greg