So here I am

I read "The Art of the Straight Razor Shave" by Christopher Moss and it directed me here....and now I am here.

I've thought about getting into straight razor shaving for years, but was, quite frankly, terrified. Instead I devoted my time and energy to shaving without a straight razor and got into quality shave soaps and brushes. My cousin jumped on the straight razor shave and figured it was about time I did too. So I did.

Now I've just got my razor and had my first shave.

Oh my gosh! Nothing could have prepared me for that. I've read all the stuff about how it takes time and patience and will take months. I've read how frustrating it is. I've read how painful it could be at first. But seriously, it was all an understatement compared to my first straight shave.

Now I know, I know, I KNOW you aren't supposed to shave with a unhoned razor - I just figured that I gotta learn sometime, it might as well be now - HOW to shave with a straight razor, that is, not WHY you aren't supposed to shave with an unhoned razor!

Now in my defense I wasn't 100% sure the razor was unhoned; however, the fact that the box was factory sealed and the blade still had the manufacturer's warning sticker on it was a pretty darn good indication. Still, a lot of sellers hone the razors before shipping, so some manufacturers must do it too - right? Wrong.

Anyway, because the razor was unhoned and I was scared to death of cutting my frickin' face off (meaning I had a very shallow angle), the razor ended up pulling all the hair out of my face. Oh yeah, did I mention that I haven't shaved for a week? So that sucked. While it was frustrating and painful as hell, the silver lining is that I managed not to cut myself. So there you go.

That said, I did actually start to get the hang of it. Sort of. I'm right handed, but I can't see out of my right eye. My right hand strokes were starting getting pretty smooth on my cheeks (I went over and over to get it right). Everywhere else was, well, in need of lots of practice.

So that was fun. Now it's time to get my razor honed. I'm tempted to buy a hone and learn to do it myself, but I think it's better to have it done by a pro first so I have something to compare my own work to.

I wasn't going to join this community, but after that experience, I realized that I had better get connected with people that know what they're doing - cuz I sure as hell don't.

I would highly recommend you send it off to be honed. One thing I've learned is it takes a little while to be able to shave well enough to judge how good a hone is.

Welcome!..took me 2 months of Straight shaving before shaving my entire face with my first razor 7/8 monster...honing..don't get me started....:rofl2:

I used to send my razors out for a year before finally wanting to hone my own

Welcome to SRP. With a sharper blade and better technique you'll enjoy far more humane shaves. Stick around; we're here to help!

You're assuming it _can_ be honed.

. . . What kind of razor is it?

Charles

While you're waiting for your razor to return from honing, read read read as much as you can in the beginners forum. It won't take the place of actually shaving but it will help avoid common newbie mistakes (like shaving with an unhoned razor). Welcome to SRP. The shaves will get better and you'll be glad you took the plunge.

Thanks everyone. I will definitely be be reading more here. "The Art of the Straight Razor Shave" was a really good place to start, but I know I've got a lot more learning to do.

My razor is a Dovo 5/8" Full Hollow Carbon Steel razor. I'm quite sure it can be honed - I did a lot of research before I bought it. In fact, I did a lot of reading from this site about razors before my purchase.

I did know not to shave with an unhoned razor - Christopher Moss made that abundantly clear. I was just so anxious to get started I didn't head his warnings. I won't be making THAT mistake again.

Fortunately, I live within about 10 minutes of The Perfect Edge in Shrewsbury, MA. I actually live in Marlborough, MA where DMT is located. Unfortunately, this is where they manufacture DMT sharpeners, so they do not provide honing services. I should have my razor by Wed at the latest. Until then I'll just have to make do with my old cartridge razor.

Dovo's are good razors once honed. One thing I've done since I found myself without either of my good razors since they're both off being honed is order one that uses disposable blades, in my case the Feather 'artist club'

Gives a fallback when you find yourself without a shaveable razor.

Great story and welcome... Yup, you'll find everything you'll need here, and it was wise to set up an account. Remember you are an individual, and this is your journey. We learn from you, and you learn from us.

But while I am on the individual rant, remember to do what's right for you. I tell everyone to send out their razors to be honed at first, but if truth be told - I didn't really get into my straight until I got into honing. I was obsessed with my edge, and waiting to get my blade back nearly killed it for me lol.

Anyway - now that we have this thread - hopefully there will not be too many guys trying to shave without a honed blade lol. :) Welcome and good luck!!