Thread: Just, jumped in head first.

Ok, I have been DE Razor shaving for about a year, but I have decided to go for straight razor shaving. I just purchased the Dovo "Prima Klang" Bocote 5/8" Straight Razor & Strop Set that was on special this month. I don't think I can go wrong with this decision. I have watched Lynn's DVD and I think I am ready to start. I can't wait to get my new razor. I am sure I will have plenty of questions.

I ordered the same thing, and it came yesterday. I had a first, very tentative shave today, and only had a small nick under the nose. I don't think I got much hair off my face, but I just wanted to get used to the feel of the razor in my hand. I've been shaving with a DE razor for around 3 years, and it's definitely different. I'm looking forward to mastering the straight, but know it will take a long time. Heck, the DE took several months before I felt comfortable with it, and that seems way easier to use.

I think you'll like the Dovo setup. I got the thicker strop with mine, and it fits the blade just right!

--Bob

WElcome and you have done great choose.
Now please read wiki information for beginner and be patient.
it is not easy to switch but as soon as you master you will no longer turn back.
gl

Welcome. Excellent choices. Soon you'll be getting such close shaves with your str8, Your DE will be jealous....

Congrats on your purchase, looking forward to hearing about your first experience. Just remember that the shave will be sub par until your technique develops, but if you stick with it you will be getting the closest shaves possible.

OK - tried Round 2 this morning. Again, I just wanted to do the first pass WTG, and finish off with the DE. It actually went better than I expected this morning! Again, I'm not sure how much hair I actually cut, but the razor felt much better in my hand. It did sound like it was shaving, so that's a good sign. With the DE I don't tend to get much on the WTG pass, so I'm not too concerned at this point. I just took it slow and easy.

I'm not expecting it to go so well every day, and want to keep just doing one pass WTG for a couple of weeks before getting adventurous and doing some XTG shaving - probably just on the cheeks to start. I've read several "how-to" guides, and found them helpful. The message I got from watching Lynn Abrams on the web was to take it slow, which seems like sound advice!

--Bob

Nice razors! I've found that I can only go XTG with the blade in tip-top condition--so suggest you take a break and do a full stropping routine before making that attempt. There are a couple of sections under my chin and jawline that I have to do more diagonal to the grain; XTG just won't happen there. As you know, go gentle and don't rush it.

It shouldn't take any more force to remove hair than it does to remove lather.

Good luck and best wishes

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll stick with WTG for awhile, but will try your ideas when I'm ready for the big leap to XTG. I'll probably also do a good scan through the forum to see what other advice is out there. I really appreciate the input from all of you, and I'm determined to hang in there and make this work!

Where I said XTG, I meant ATG in my last post. That's the toughest pass.

I hope your shaves are going well...