Thread: New Member from Chicago

Hello everyone. I read the forums on this site and many others as well as a very thorough intro guide online. I have been nothing short of impressed with everyone and everything thus far. I recently bought my first straight, a Dovo SS 5/8 Pearlex. So far I am loving not only the shave itself but also the "ritual" involved. Using GFT Violet shave soap and Proraso alcohol free aftershave. The only issue that I am having at the moment is shavin my upper lip. Can't quite seem to get the angle right as I don't really cut the hairs well and tend to end up with razor burn. Any suggestions. The hair on my upper lip (and goatee region in general) is very thick and coarse. In any case, I just wanted to thank everyone involved in SRP for putting this together and for all the members that help us noobs out.

Daniel

Hello, Daniel:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. The upper lip is a problem for many people. It just takes practice. Please view this video by our good friend Jockeys:

Shaving videos - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Beyond that, please continue to study and Wiki and ask questions. By the way, I am up here in Milwaukee. I'll be more than happy to help you out if you ever come this way.

Regards,

Obie

Welcome aboard! Something that works for me when shaving the upper lip is to use the thumb and index finger of my non shaving hand to completely stretch out the upper lip. When you're first learning this area, I'd also suggest shaving with very short (fractions of an inch) strokes. Also, only do WTG and XTG passes. I've learned not to go ATG in this area. Guaranteed havoc and mayhem if I do that.

Welcome to your new obsession!

Welcome SRP.
Straight razors are fun to use and bad for pocked .
gl

Welcome to SRP!

I'm new as well, and live in IA, but my family is from Lake County IL, about half way between Chi-town and Milwaukee. I love Chicago.

I am a beginner and new here myself. I think you will find that the people here are very helpful.

I am in the Milwaukee area, but lived for many years in "Chicagoland".

Experienced members are better suited to give you advice on your upper lip.

I can only offer my "two cents" on what not to do. Take special care to avoid any kind of slicing motion here and do not clamp down on your grip (keep it relaxed) on the razor to overcome the resistance.

Hope this helps.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

Welcome--I'm a beginner from the area too and have found that all on here are very helpful. Good Luck

Welcome to SRP. I'm sorry, I have a Goatee, so I don't shave that area. You could grow one....!

Welcome to SRP! Obie beat me to it...I was going to say to watch Jockeys video...he goes over the coupe de maitre very well