Thread: Hi Everybody

Hey folks. My name is Lawrence and I'm just getting started with wet shaving.

I've been lurking here for a couple months, reading a lot and trying to get a handle on the routine before I started. I got a shavette with some "Shark" brand blades, a badger brush from amazon and a puck of Williams soap from the local drug store. I know shavettes aren't held in very high regard around here (let alone the generic sort I got) but I thought it would get me started at least and when I was able to get a real straight, it would be that much better a transition.

I started slow as Lynn recommended in the Beginners Guide. Within a week I was doing full shaves and cleaning up with the ol' Mach 3 afterwards. I bit of blood, a lot of razor burn and a few weeks later, I'm now getting pretty good full shaves every day without going for the Mach at all afterward.

It has been quite the learning curve. The first couple days trying to shave my upper lip, I was nearly convinced it was impossible without cutting my lip off. Now it's the best part of the shave. I can't believe how much smoother I can get with the shavette than the old cartridge! I had no idea.

I think my skin is starting to "get used to it" because razor burn isn't an issue anymore (as long as I'm paying attention.) I've been using Nivea's Repleneshing Shave Balm afterward.

It's still far from perfect of course. I have a little trouble on the chin still and can't seem to get the bottom of it very close no matter what I do. I am however improving my technique for the rest almost daily. It's great to be able to see and feel improvement from day to day.

Beyond that, I'm totally hooked. I can't believe it; I actually look forward to shaving every day now.

I can't wait to get a decent 'real' straight and a strop, but it's just not in the budget at the moment... Hopefully sooner than later.

I'd like to say thanks to everyone here for all the posts and tips. I'd never have gotten this far with it if I hadn't had such a great resource of experience and advice to read from at SRP.


Best,
Lawrence

Welcome to SRP. Glad to hear things are going well with the shavette ( I diced my face up with that thing ).
What's you shave prep? eg. Shower, pre shave oil or cream, hot towel etc.

Originally Posted by TrilliumLT

Welcome to SRP. Glad to hear things are going well with the shavette ( I diced my face up with that thing ).
What's you shave prep? eg. Shower, pre shave oil or cream, hot towel etc.

So far my prep has just been a hot shower. I'd like to try the hot towel though. I'm usually doing good to make time for the shave though lately (work has been nuts). Maybe on my next day off I'll give it a go.

This morning was a little rough. I gave myself a good nick and scraped my chin a bit raw trying to get it smooth. Sometimes it pays to just take a deep breath and step back lol. It's frustrating though. I'll do a pass WTG and then XTG in both directions even and no matter how I stretch the skin or my angle of attack, it doesn't seem to get it. If I try to go ATG at all on my chin, the razor stops dead in it's tracks and wants to bite.

Probably just a combination of my inexperience and junk razor. Still though...

Welcome to SRP. I started with a shavette. When I moved to a real straight razor, I was amazed at how much smoother it was. Where once I hated shaving, I am now addicted to it. Straight razor shaving is GREAT!

I just ordered my first real straight from SRD, a Dovo Best Quality 5/8. Can't wait to get it! Also picked up an Illinois strop from amazon.com.

I'm still getting decent shaves with the shavette, but it leaves much to be desired. I'm hoping the better blade helps some with that stubborn chin area that I can never seem to get smooth and occasionally scrape raw trying to do so

Again I'm so thankful for SRP. Seems like every time I have a question I search and someone has already asked and answered it!

BTW, anyone else here from the islands?

welcome to srp.

Welcome to SRP, you'll find all the resources you need in this forum. Check out the "Wiki" section for a lot of great articles and tips.

Welcome to SRP