Thread: First Shave Complete!

I am new to the forum and purchased a Dovo Shavette as en entree into the world of SR shaving. I researched for quite some time and finally took the plunge last night. I have a short well trimmed beard, so I am really just starting with the majority of my neck below the jaw-line as well as the top of my cheeks. The first go-around was an overall success, with only one minor nick. It was a lot of anticipation leading up to that first shave but I found that overall the anticipation was far more stressful than the actual execution. I have been using shave oil and a brush for quite some time, so the only real change to my routine was not using a cartridge. I am pretty happy with the results so far and can't wait to give it another go tomorrow morning!

I am curious, for those who have facial hair, what angle and strokes are used to keep the edge of the beard trimmed and straight, as well as what one does to trim their mustache around the lips (assuming they use a blade and not clippers)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

Welcome to SRP. The Library is your friend. Lots of info to read there. Don't know anything about beards or mustache as I don't have any.


Mike

Congrats on your first shave. Like mglindo, I don't keep any facial hair, so I cant help you there.

The man needs help!!

I guess there are not too many people with beards or mustaches. They are soooo enthusiastic about shaving that they can't help themselves and must shave it off. LOL. Sorry Denvernoob!


Mike

Denvernoob, I sport a Van Dyke (mustache and goatee). Very simple to keep it trimmed daily. When I shave my cheeks the first path is from around the sideburn area to the edge of the Van Dyke - an east/west stroke, if you will. Second passes concern north/south directions. Since everyone's hair growing pattern is different you have to discover what works for you. I shave with anything from a 5/8 to a 7/8 and have no problem getting a clean edge to the facial hair. If I need to look special for special events I have a couple of 3/8s for nit picking around the beard/mustache.

As for trimming the mustache at lip level I have a small electric beard/hair trimmer for that task. A little shy about using a straight that close to my upper lip.

Hope this helps.

Denvernoob,

No beard here, but I do have a mustache. I shave with a Straight Razor and an occasional DE razor for the road. I keep the mustache trimmed with a Wahl clipper made for facial fur. Before the Wahl I used scissors to keep the lip warmer in shape.

The straight edge keeps the mustache trimmed on the outside facing my cheeks and at the corners of my mouth, but the length and shape of my 'stache' is all done with the Wahl clipper.

Best,

Ed

Many thanks to all for the prompt feedback and thoughts!

A couple more shaves in and I am getting the hang of this! The Shavette is a little bit temperamental for sure...there isn't too much room for error. It has been an adjustment for me to just let the blade do the work and not apply any pressure, but the reward is the results! My beard has certainly never been lined up as straight (since I can see where the blade cuts) by my own hand...and a few compliments have ensued! This is even more of an enjoyable task than I originally thought it would be (and I was already quite enthusiastic).

Welcome and congrats. Once you master the shavette, the hard part is over and you will be able to shave with anything with hardly a learning curve.