Thread: Hi from Austin, TX

Hello everyone,
I'm Zach. I'm really new to the straight razor community and concept of shaving with one. I tried using a Parker SR1 with replaceable blades, but it's not working out very well! I'm looking forward to learning more about this new skill and 'art'.

Hi Zach! I'm brand new here too (my first post, hi everybody!). I just got the Parker SR1 last week from the wife for my birthday. I've had three shaves with it so far and each one got progressively better. The first shave gave me terrible razor burn. Last night's shave was much milder and the absolute closest shave I've ever had in my life. My wife was amazed. Some general advice from another new guy, gathered of three whole days of shaving with the Parker :

- Read Lynn's post in the beginner section, "Your First Stright Razor Shave". I know the Parker isn't a true straight razor but most of it is still very much applicable, I think. I think the only advice I didn't take was the part about not shaving your whole face. I was so giddy that I could actually remove hair with the razor, I had to keep going. My face paid the price but I think I learned something in return.
- Go very slowly. I've taken to shaving in the evenings so I won't feel rushed.
- I use very little pressure but maybe a little more than the "weight of the blade", recommended by some. Maybe this is because the Parker is so much lighter than an actual straight.
- The Parker seems to need a more acute angle (spine closer to the face) than the 30 degrees-ish recommended for a straight. I've gotten down closer to 10-15 degrees from the skin at points.
- Face prep really made a huge difference for me. Day 1 and 2 I thought I did a pretty good job by wetting my face and slopping some over-wet Col. Conk's soap on there. On day 3 I spent more time wetting my stubble and worked-in a smidge of hair conditioner before applying my lather. I lathered up some Proraso/Bigelow instead, and really whipped it up in a mug. Night and day difference. day 1, I was snagging hair everywhere. Day 3 was smoooooth.
- Skin stretching is important. I really neglected my skind stretching the first day but got more diligent by day 3. I pull my skin opposite the direction I'm shaving. Stetching out my neck and running the razor down it still feels like a leap of faith for me
- Check out a few videos of folks shaving with a straight. Something as simple as how to hold the razor would have completely escaped me if I hadn't watched a couple of folks.

I'm really interested to hear about how things progress. I recently ordered a real straight from Larry at whippeddog.com. Its on the way now and I'm really excited to give it a whirl. In the meantime I've grown quite fond of the Parker and I'm glad I have it. I don't think I'll go back to the old cartridges any time soon.

Welcome.
Check out the Wiki / Library for more info and instructions. It will save you lots of time and mistakes.

Originally Posted by MinATX

Welcome.
Check out the Wiki / Library for more info and instructions. It will save you lots of time and mistakes.

Thanks...and good to see another Austinite!

No problem.
I don't know where you shop, but if you see Herban Cowboy / Organic Shaving products, don't try it, they're the worst. They sell it at some stores around town. The only quality soap / cream I've seen is Pre de Provence cream or soap tin. They sell it at Central Market. It's a little pricey, about $15, but very good.
I hear that Bath and Body Works sells Bigelow shave cream, which is really Proraso. It costs about $8, is just as good, and easier to lather. If you can't find it in town, it's on Amazon, SRD, Classic Shaving, and all the other shaving sites.