Thread: New to shaving like a man.

I've wanted to start shaving with a straight razor for a long time, and I was also looking at several sites to include this one about a week ago. I liked the idea of shaving with a straight razor because everything these days is instant gratification, get it done faster, easier, etc. I feel like a good portion of my life is rushed, and having a daily activity that I can slow down and enjoy sounded fantastic to me.

I was at the mall today and they happened have a brand new "The Art of Shaving" store at Montgomery Mall in Rockville, MD. Looking at stuff in person cemented the fact that I wanted to do this. Staff was awesome, answered all of my questions, and took the time to show me everything I needed or wanted to see.

So I said screw it and picked up a Thiers-Issard razor, Stainless Steel Straight Razor | Buy Thiers-Issard Razors and everything else I needed, brush, strop, cream, etc.

Had my first shave as soon as I got home. All of the products they carry were really nice, though I have no basis for comparison outside of normal gel creams. People that have been doing it a while make it look easy, haha. No visible cuts or bleeding or anything, but I didn't best my Fusion ProGlide that I normally use. I understand that there is a learning curve and that my overall experience will hopefully improve in the coming weeks. I definitely did enjoy myself though, and figured I would join the forum for whatever questions I come up with.

Glad to hear that you have made the switch.Was your new razor advertised as "shave ready".I would have givin it 50 strops.Its easy to go overboard on products.If you have spare cash knock yourself out.I have straight shaved for 30 years and I have a cheap Italian brush and use "Erasmic" shave cream which has been around since the 20's.It costs in the UK only £1 for a tube.Thats good value.I hope you enjoy the new "hobby".Oh yeah and welcome to SRP.

Originally Posted by JohnnyHoodoo

Glad to hear that you have made the switch.Was your new razor advertised as "shave ready".I would have givin it 50 strops.Its easy to go overboard on products.If you have spare cash knock yourself out.I have straight shaved for 30 years and I have a cheap Italian brush and use "Erasmic" shave cream which has been around since the 20's.It costs in the UK only £1 for a tube.Thats good value.I hope you enjoy the new "hobby".Oh yeah and welcome to SRP.

Yeah it was advertised "shave ready", but I stropped the hell out of it before using. Having read the first time shaver thing here and similar articles elsewhere.

Give it a few goes.Once the "newness" of straight shaving has passed you will soon be besting your Fusion.Keep well hydrated with good soap or cream and keep your razor stropped.It will soon come buddy.You have a really nice blade for starters.

Welcome. We have a get together in Vienna, VA coming up in early Oct.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new straight razor and accessories. Also congratulations on your first straight razor shave.
You're right, there is a learning curve with straight razor shaving. Yes, over time you will improve, you'll have fun experimenting with techniques, razors, and creams/soaps. Stay on the pace you are on now, take your time, enjoy the experience, and remember: you are taking a daily mundane chore and turning it into a pleasureable ritual.
You are in good company in this forum, a great bunch of people here.

Wishing you much success.
patrick

Originally Posted by pmburk

You are taking a daily mundane chore and turning it into a pleasurable ritual.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I was trying to explain this so a friend and failing miserably. Thank you for some good wording.

Originally Posted by Indecision

Couldn't have said it better myself. I was trying to explain this so a friend and failing miserably. Thank you for some good wording.

You are welcome; thank you for your kind words.

The phrase was based on my own experiences waking up in the morning and hating the cartridge razor and canned foam shave then switching to a straight razor and loving it.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Welcome. We have a get together in Vienna, VA coming up in early Oct.

What exactly happens at a shaving affectionado get together?