Thread: 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!