Thread: OMG What a Shave Newbie

I have been reading a lot through the forums and I am trying to get into the Straight Razor scene. I have only until now used twin disposables or my electric.
I bought a 1960's Gillette Safety Razor and picked up a vintage Persona blade.
Tonight after my shower I took my time and shaved with the DE. I used (now don't laugh) Berma Shave soap and went to shaving.
I am so glad I read the posts about how to shave because with the twin blades I really put pressure on the shave. I just let the weight of the razor do the work. It freaked me out a little as I could hear the blades cutting the hairs. It was louder than I would have thought.
I did two passes, the first WTG and the second ATG.
This is the CLOSEST shave I have ever got in my life. I am really excited about this shave.
Thanks for all the poster's as I read most of them and my success is because of you.
BTW I got only one very minor nick by my Adams apple.
Brian

Brian,
Congrats on your successful first shave. Keep it up. Are you planning to try a straight in the future? Best of luck.

Regards,

Mark

I am in the process now of buying a straight. I really want to be able to shave with one. I just thought that the light touch practice with the DE would be good.
I can't believe that a straight can be a closer shave than the one I got though.
I want to get a good vintage razor. I'm not a big fan of the newer stuff.
Brian

Brian,

Congrats on your first DE shave. Keep at it and it will get even better! I been using a DE since January. The 3 razors I use most of the time are 40's superspped. 66' slim and edwin jagger. I seem to like the vintage DE blades best..

I would recommend you look at the classifieds for a vintage straight razor. I just picked up a nice shave ready W&B which should be here soon.

A traditional straight has a much longer learning curve but will produce a closer and more comfortable shave.

You might try pulling the skin off your Adam's apple, to the side, and shaving it there instead. Assuming the problem persists.

I didn't think about pulling the skin aside.
Great tip.
Brian

Originally Posted by Uncle

I have been reading a lot through the forums and I am trying to get into the Straight Razor scene. I have only until now used twin disposables or my electric.
I bought a 1960's Gillette Safety Razor and picked up a vintage Persona blade.
Tonight after my shower I took my time and shaved with the DE. I used (now don't laugh) Berma Shave soap and went to shaving.
I am so glad I read the posts about how to shave because with the twin blades I really put pressure on the shave. I just let the weight of the razor do the work. It freaked me out a little as I could hear the blades cutting the hairs. It was louder than I would have thought.
I did two passes, the first WTG and the second ATG.
This is the CLOSEST shave I have ever got in my life. I am really excited about this shave.
Thanks for all the poster's as I read most of them and my success is because of you.
BTW I got only one very minor nick by my Adams apple.
Brian

I bought a fancy DE thinking I would like it as well. I've been shaving with straights for about 6 months now and figured I would like the DE's too. I hated it, absolutely could not get a shave as close as with a disposable gillette. Like you, I researched and even watched videos on it and still couldn't pull off a close shave.

Brett

I've got a couple DE razors and while the razors provide a completely acceptable shave, I have never cut myself as much with a straight EVER than I have with a DE in just the first couple shaves. I've wondered where the 'safety' is in safety razor?

Hi red96ta,

The problem with the D/E is because it's called a safety razor -the temptation is to whisk it around your face without a single thought about corners and jawlines- this is especially true if your regular shave is a straight.
I cut myself a couple of days ago by moving my face sideways without thinking while the D/E blade was resting on my chin-Ouch!
It's easy to do when you are in a hurry -which I am when using the D/E.
regards

Noggs

Hello, Uncle:

Congratulations on breaking the ice with the double edge. You're on your way, my good man.

Some stretching always helps with the double edge. Just stay with it. Eventually you'll move into straights. Any questions, please post the. Good to have you along.

Regards,
Obie