First Post & first month report
Hey guys. I've been lurking for a while, reading and learning. Thanks to all for the good conversation. This forum is much more civil than some I follow!!
I made the plunge about a month ago. By that point, I had read much good info on the forum, watched videos (several for multiple times) and took the plunge by buying a couple of "shave ready" razors off eBay. I think I was lucky, or did some good research, but the buyers did indeed mail me some nice razors, and in very much shave ready condition. Unlike my typical adventure which is sometimes "helter skelter", I planned everything in advance for this adventure....i.e. ordered some nice soap (2 brands) and an entry level badger brush, and some styptic gel (lol...better to be prepared, huh?).
Finally, the big day! I hadn't shaved for a few days to build up a little more beard, just to have more to "work with". I picked the Eugene Berninghaus "Bayonet Steel" 5/8 SR that I bought from a nice guy in VA. He did have that blade in fine shape, just as he promised. I have a goatee, so don't shave chin or upper lip....that was probably a good thing, start easy, build skills as you go. Hot wash cloth? Check! Wet brush with hot water? Check! Build some good lather and get it on? Check! Proper grip? Check. Look in the mirror and concentrate......remember the videos and the advice from the forum; remember to breath.....OK......let's go!!!
All went well!!! Stretched the skin....just right. Easy does it....no pressure.....let the blade do the work. Right hand, then left hand....wow, this can work!! Wow.....what a smooth shave!!! Gillette can't tough this!!
So far, so good!! Next day....perfect shave again!!! Yippee, I've got this down!!! Third day.....oops.....don't get so cocky. Ended up with a couple of nicks. Next day, yes, another nick. Skipped a couple of days to heal up and assess my errors. Kept telling myself, "pay attention to the job, take your time, take it easy". That's been a month ago and I've learned some valuable lessons.....the same lessons you guys have already given me, but lessons that I had to experience:
1. Preparation is key
2. Concentrate on the job
3. Don't hurry, enjoy the experience
I'm struggling now with maintaining the edge. I bought a strop, with a back felt with chromium oxide. Have to keep working on technique as I can feel the blade dragging now. More learning ahead. Watch those videos, practice that grip for stropping, watch the angle. Still more to learn, more skill to build, but this has been a rewarding adventure. I can do this!!! I enjoy this!!
Thanks for all the help and for letting me join this fraternity,