Before my first Straight Razor shave, a quick question.

Hi!
I'm diving in this weekend with my first SR shave. I've been using vintage Gillette DE razors for a while, and have that technique down. The most important part was figuring out my beard's growth pattern and grain. My question is this: I've figured out the best pattern for shaving WTG and XTG with my DE razors - it's a bit complicated below the jaw line, but I now get irritation-free shaves every time. Will I use the same pattern and stroke directions with the straight as I would with the DE? Or are there differences I should be aware of?

Thanks!

I'd think they would be. Biggest thing to get smooth is the upper lip, unless you're diving a dry suit... In which case I'm jealous!

In my experience, yes, the same stroke patterns work, where I can manage them. In practice, things begin to vary on two counts: 1) since the grip & handle arrangement is different, things get in the way differently; 2) watch out for strokes that run toward the nose or ears. :)

Follow all the guidelines that say, take one stroke then go back to your other razor to finish the shave.

adding a stroke each shave, it should be a week or two before you get to anything under your jawbone.

Learning your beard as you have is a great first step and another reason i think DE shaving is a great intermediate step. And I did note you said nothing of ATG, which indicates you _have_ been reading. nice. Enjoy.

Thanks everyone! Giving it a shot tomorrow morning! I don't go ATG with a DE either. I have some serious grain to my beard and it's just never a good idea. As for under the lip, I go north-south, then ear-to-nose with my old Gillettes. I will try the same with the SR. But as Wade points out - that's down the line several shaves when I get to the lip. I'll report back tomorrow. Gulp!

Well, the sideburn/cheek trial was a success. At least I think so. :) Now, to slowly expand the envelope little by little until I'm doing the whole face. Thanks everyone for your help!