Thread: First Straight Razor Shaves

Hello all. I'm Will or raisedbybrocks. I recently purchased a used razor on British blades where I am a member and Maker. Its my first Straight.
It is a "Repeat" made in sheffield. Not sold as shave ready but close. It seemed to shave without tugging from the off but I stropped it on my knife strop, which is 2mm leather course side up on a nice long piece of mdf, using starkie blue compound. I kept going until it passed the hanging hair test.
From ebay I bought some Mitchel's wool fat in a loose bar and found a suitable dish for it in the kitchen. I bought a cheap and nasty £6 strop to hang in the bathroom and a cheap Boar hair brush for the Mitchel's.
I had my first shave 2 days ago. I went down on one side, felt happy so continued to do my whole face. Then I tried going sideways. Then I tried going against the grain. I did nick myself on the chin a wee bit and felt a bit chaffed and a bit of razor burn. But i've never had such a close shave.
Today I tried again. This time after a shower I tried a little baby oil on my face before soaping up.
Today I shaved down, then stropped the razor a little more and went across on my cheeks, chin and edges of the upper lip, then I went up against the grain to finish off my neck and lower chin.
Its a nice close shave and today, no razor burn
This time I had some soothing Balm to apply from the Real shaving company, which is what they had in the supermarket.
No burn after todays shave but perhaps my skin is a little red in places a bit like stubble rash. I wonder if I am slightly alergic to something i'm using? No drama's just a slight sensation and a touch of redness chin and neck.
When I am a little more flush I would like to buy a second razor new, from somewhere which sells them shave ready. And certainly down the line a nice quality wide hanging strop. Any reccomendations?
Also if those with more sensitive skin could recommend any products which are available to me in the uk that would be greatly appreciated.
I should add that today after my shower and shave I felt very pampered and with no loss of blood

Welcome, seems as if your doing well. Check out the classifieds on this site for a second razor if your not looking for new, or Straightrazordesigns for new. There are others also with ads on site.

After reading your profile dig through the workshop section and make one.

Thanks Paco, that sounds good. Ha ha i'm not quite there on the grinding enough to do a straight yet. Although one day that would be fun. Would certainly put my damascus to the test. I'll check out the workshop forum anyway though sounds right up my street.

Hmm just found about true wedge blades. Could have a crack at one of those on my flat platen. Not sure I would be brave enough to shave with it yet. I'll try and pick myself up a sheffield wedge on the bay to get an idea.