Thread: Just completed my first Shave with a Straight!

Well, I just finished my first shave with a JA Henckles 118 I found on ebay that was... "shave ready". I felt like it could have had more of an edge on it but I completed my cheeks, neck and started on the chin when the edge felt too dull, so I finished with my safety razor.

I was pretty happy with the first shave! I am right handed but felt more comfortable with my left... which was a surprise to me. Anyway, I have been using pre-shave oil for the last month or two with my safety razor. Todays shave was without the oil. Face feels pretty good and I am excited for the next shave!

Oh, one more thing. Are there any members located in the Bay Area? I would like to have a better understanding of when my razor is really "shave ready". When I started my shave this evening I knew the blade could have been sharper. Having someone close by who could show me in person would be great.

Thanks everyone!

Congrats on your first shave with a straight razor. I hope you enjoy the experience.

Originally Posted by jasalvas

Well, I just finished my first shave with a JA Henckles 118 I found on ebay that was... "shave ready". I felt like it could have had more of an edge on it but I completed my cheeks, neck and started on the chin when the edge felt too dull, so I finished with my safety razor.

Great! That's a good and totally normal series-of-events for one's first shave with a straight razor. Bravo!

Oh, one more thing. Are there any members located in the Bay Area? I would like to have a better understanding of when my razor is really "shave ready". When I started my shave this evening I knew the blade could have been sharper. Having someone close by who could show me in person would be great.

Judging from your first paragraph, you already know when your razor will be "shave ready". That is, when the blade edge is sharp enough for you to shave your chin, without needing to resort to a safety-razor "finish-up". Actually, that's really two things: sharp-enough blade, and your shaving technique. And the truth of the matter is this: it's a lot easier getting your razor "shave ready", than it is getting your technique "shave ready". The blade's either sharp-enough, or not; but unlike people, razor blades don't think about the "how" -- they leave that up to us. Here's a secret: even a not-shave-ready razor will still shave your chin... if you improve your technique to meet that challenge. Be "methodical and deliberate", and always remember that shaving involves "progressive stubble removal" (which means don't worry about not getting everything on the first pass -- you won't, so don't try to); instead, use the three-pass system -- WTG, XTG, and ATG -- and by the time you've finished the third pass, you'll probably have given yourself a DFS (Damn Fine Shave).

Smooth shaving!

Congrats on your first step into straights.
The edge may be sub par, or your angle may be a bit off.
If the edge is sub par and you pulled off a reasonably comfortable shave you are going to take to the basics like a fish to water.
Hopefully someone close by is available.

Pat

Originally Posted by pfries

The edge may be sub par, or your angle may be a bit off.

Well, I just completed my second shave and... If I had a steady hand it would have been a good shave! I had just come from the gym, showered and then tried to perform the shave. Jumpy hands gave a couple of reminders to have a subtle touch but non the less, I completed the first pass on my entire face and was pretty happy with the outcome.

Pat, I spent some more time stropping my razor but most of all I paid more attention to my angles. I found myself increasing angles unconsciously, luckily it was quickly noticed and immediately adjusted back down. After completing the first pass on my entire face, I did not feel comfortable enough to go against the grain with the straight so I completed my shave with my safety razor.

Anyway, I am so excited to be using a straight razor and look forward to getting it down. Thank you for the replies, it made a difference with my 2nd shave!

Fredo

Fredo,
I am glad to hear it was an angle issue (something you could deal with at home).
Take your time, there is no rush and no shame in using your old method if time does not permit you
to devote your attention to the straight razor.
Many an experienced shaver here still uses a DE when time is short,
some because they like them, and some only use their straights on the weekends.

It will only get better from here on out.

Pat

Hey, well done. Don't underestimate the importance of the strop, once you master that, you can maintain your razor for a long time between needing a re-hone. The chin area was difficult for me too, and probably most of us here. JB has given some great advice, technique is something that comes with time, practice and patience.

Yep, chins are tricky, your angle obviously has to constsntly change, your face isn't close by for angle monitoring etc. I found stretching was absolutely key on this part of my face.

Don't know if you've seen this or not, but Lynn has some really great tips here. Especially some for the chin area

That is a great video, and because Lynn seems to have pretty much the same growth direction as me on the jaw line, it helped in correcting my technique,and getting a nice smooth shave in that area.