Thread: Hello from Eastern NC

I am a recent convert to SR shaving. I started with a parker SRW and have just purchased an H. Boker USS St. Louis commemorative straight. Im not sure how many shaves I have but I can tell you that the Parker will force your technique to improve. The Boker is much easier on my face but I can tell that I need to learn to handle it differently. Either way I love the super close shave I get with a straight vs a box razor and I will not go back if I can help it. I look forward to getting to know you guys and hopefully aquiring new skills, knowledge, and gear. Speaking of which, Im in the market for strop....

If your new and scanning the intros- follow the advice your see here. Dont make up your own rules. For instance-
1)- pre treat your face. use any or all the products you need for a smooth shave. If you need oil, lotion, soap, and cream- use it. Its your face. Its no good to us a SR if your gonna have bumps and burn.

2)- go slow. real slow. super slow. Make each stroke deliberate. Accidents happen when you rush it. After your apply your first Styptic stick to a slice, you will learn to slow down. Trust me. Also with going slow, there is no mandate that you must shave the whole face. Start with your sideburns and finish up with a cartridge. Then include your cheeks, then your upper lip, then your chin and so on. Being comfortable and CONFIDENT will prevent you from looking like Frankensteins monster after you shave. Take it easy and learn technique for each part of your face as you go.

3)- Only use enough pressure to remove the foam. The more you press on the blade the more likely you are to nick, burn, or maybe filet your face. TRUST ME on that one. Luckily the skin on my butt was a good match for a skin graft. My mother in law doesnt understand why I get the giggles when she kisses that side of my face.....

4)- the last part of 3) was a joke....

5)-If your reasonably sure your blade is shave ready and it still pulls, jumps, and hurts- check your blade angle. Watch your pressure. Is your lather drying up? Did you use the right pre treat/lather for your face? Experiment with these things, and be careful.

Welcome..enjoy your adventure!

G'Day and welcome - it sounds like you have it pretty well sussed out ATM....

g'day mate. Im doing Ok. Still learning. thanks for the welcome.