Thread: Still Alive to Tell the Story

Today was D-Day. Embarkation line crossed no turning back now.

First shave with the SR, well almost. Quick background, I started wet shaving with a DE again after 20+ years. Just got bored with multiblades. I use to DE and SE shave in the Marnes so maybe this is my mid life crisis. Already did the Harley thing.

I've researched this adventure to death and felt if the DE was shaving that good why not a SR? It didn't look that difficult, others were doing it, why not me? I've watched every video from Lynn and Geofatboy possible. So I took the plunge bought a Dovo Bismarck 6/8 from SRD, came professionally honed and today I was off to the races.

It went well but it is harder than it looks! After careful prep I shaved the entire right side of my face WTG, I'm right handed. Pretty close shave not peerfect but pretty smooth. Over the lip was next easiest, good result. Neck area went well also not too difficult. Under the lips and chin was the most difficult. Alot of angle changes more than I expected but the razor gave great feedback. I really could tell when I lost the correct angle by feel and sound.

Feeling confident I shaved the left side of my cheek left handed and didn't feel as steady. Made one pass WTG sideburn to jaw line then I bailed and finished up with the DE. But I did go back and hit the usual trouble areas with the SR. Amazing how close it shaves even trailing the DE. 1 down 99 to go to build confidence, lol.

Finally I'd like to thank all the regulars here your post we very valuable too me and contributed greatly to a successful partial first SR expierence. This Forum is awesome. I did more than what I was told too do. It's a Jarhead thing I guess, just stubborn. The process is cool, I think I'm hooked.

It sounds like you are off to a great start and it will only keep getting better with time and practice.

And, thanks for serving!

Will N.

Hang with it! I'm only into my 3rd week of using a straight every day, and it definitely gets easier and better over time.

The Dovo Bismark is a great Razor, I purchased one of those almost a year ago, I love it! However I find it a bit too wide sometimes. It has a great advantage of not needing to be rinsed as much as my main razor. Sounds like you had a more positive experience then I, my first shave I looked like I tried french kissing a cat in the shower.

I just really liked the appearance of the Bismarck. I wouldn't recommend going any bigger for a newbie. I was specifically interested in the 6/8 because it could be rinsed less frequently. Maybe in time that will matter right now no. I'm pretty slow with it and rinse more than I really need too. Part of my objective was to avoid the "french kissing the cat in the shower". Maybe I just got lucky still need to train the weakside hand.

While I escaped injury the first time I know things can go very wrong in a heart beat and to stay focused.

Thanks. Your welcome but my service time was a long time ago. I'm a second generation Grunt, my Dad was the first now 89 and a WWII vet (I'll give him a pass as he was in the wing).

Good luck on your journey!

Keep trying, you'll get there...good luck!

Even thought using an SR is different and more difficult than using a DE/SE you still have a leg up on those coming from multi blade carts, I think. Really sounds like you are off to a good start. Don't worry, getting confident using your non dominate hand to shave takes a bit of getting used to. Going lower lip down around the chin is a challenge, like you say, with the consonantly changing angles. Going the opposite direction in that area even more so, at least for me. Anyway, it all takes time, patience and respect for the blade. Hope you continue to have success in your new addiction, er ah, I mean hobby.

Bob

Originally Posted by rmagnus

Thanks. Your welcome but my service time was a long time ago. I'm a second generation Grunt, my Dad was the first now 89 and a WWII vet (I'll give him a pass as he was in the wing).

Time past has no bearing on a "Thank You" to those that serve. Thanks to your father as well. My father was also in WW II and Korea.

Will N.

p.s. - French kissing a cat in the shower!!! My sides are still hurting from laughing at that one!