Thread: OMG What a Shave Newbie

Congrats and welcome aboard

Let me add my congrats as well. Keep on perfecting your wet-shaving technique with the DE razor in your possession.

I began with a DE razor last fall, then moved to a straight razor last December. As has been pointed out already, the learning curve for a str8 is steeper and longer than with a DE, but I believe that learning to shave WTG and ATG with the DE actually helped me when I converted to a straight razor.. In fact, I still use my DE on those occasions that I am in a hurry to get to work or an appointment.

Again, congratulations. Take care--and continued smooth shaving.

I talked to my Old Timer Barber today and he kinda blew me off as I was telling him about my DE shaving and my desire to str8 shave. He said the str8 can never be as close as a DE because you can only get something "so sharp", and advised that a str8 dulls as soon as you pull it across your face. He said you had to lead with the toe and sweep down at the proper angle.
Anyway, I think he just got lazy in his old age and just can't believe I would use a safety razor.

I'm not giving up. I am thinking about a Shavette to work up my proficiency. I won't have to worry about sharpening or banging a high dollar blade around.

Any comments on starting with a disposable str8?
Brian

Originally Posted by Uncle

I talked to my Old Timer Barber today and he kinda blew me off as I was telling him about my DE shaving and my desire to str8 shave. He said the str8 can never be as close as a DE because you can only get something "so sharp", and advised that a str8 dulls as soon as you pull it across your face.
Brian

lol...I sure wouldn't go to him for a shave, sounds like he doesn't have enough technique to shave his customers.

I say find a good straight for a reasonable price from the classifieds and judge for yourself.

I got my second shave in with my old Gillette. It is just great. My muscle memory is not yet where I need it.
I caught myself putting pressure and hacking away like I did with the disposable. It was in the first couple strokes and I'm lucky I didn't fillet my face.
I lightened my touch and what a shave.

I got my Genco Henry's in yesterday and I am going to try the str8 on my dominant side today.
I read the post for first timers and I am going to take Lynn's advise.
Brian

Originally Posted by Uncle

I got my second shave in with my old Gillette. It is just great. My muscle memory is not yet where I need it.
I caught myself putting pressure and hacking away like I did with the disposable. It was in the first couple strokes and I'm lucky I didn't fillet my face.
I lightened my touch and what a shave.

I got my Genco Henry's in yesterday and I am going to try the str8 on my dominant side today.
I read the post for first timers and I am going to take Lynn's advise.
Brian

It indeed gets better with practice. Let the razor glide don't press down. I found each time I shaved with a DE I was better at it.

Originally Posted by Uncle

I'm not giving up. I am thinking about a Shavette to work up my proficiency. . . Any comments on starting with a disposable str8?
Brian

Brian,

I did that--started with a Magic Shaver and a 5-pack of Personna blades that I got at a Sally Beauty Supply store to see if I was going to be able to learn how to shave this way , and whether I'd like it. The answer to both questions was "yes," but I'll have to say that I nicked myself pretty good several times with that thing--nothing hideous, but still. Since moving to my straights I haven't drawn blood yet--but I'm only 5 shaves into them, so who knows. Hope it's going well for you.

Brook

Originally Posted by Uncle

I talked to my Old Timer Barber today and he kinda blew me off as I was telling him about my DE shaving and my desire to str8 shave. He said the str8 can never be as close as a DE because you can only get something "so sharp", and advised that a str8 dulls as soon as you pull it across your face. He said you had to lead with the toe and sweep down at the proper angle.
Anyway, I think he just got lazy in his old age and just can't believe I would use a safety razor.

I'm not giving up. I am thinking about a Shavette to work up my proficiency. I won't have to worry about sharpening or banging a high dollar blade around.

Any comments on starting with a disposable str8?
Brian

I started with a Dovo shavette- I am kinda afraid to use it again. It is, well, cheap. Kinda flimsy and small. I liked it enough that I bought a real straight, but knowing what I know now, I would have just bought a cheap used straight honed by someone good at it. I spent twice as much on razor than if I had just gone for the straight. You can always sell it if you don't like it- you will find many willing buyers for a good straight. A shavette, not so much.