Thread: My first straight razor shave

Thanks to a generous PIF of a straight razor from nessmuck, I got to try my hand at using a straight razor. There wasn't any bloodshed, so I consider the shave a success! I did two passes with the grain on my cheeks and part of my neck. I did my moustache area, chin, and Adam's apple with my DE razor. I did my third pass completely with the DE. Even if I had stopped after the second pass, I would have had a decent shave. There wasn't any visible irritation, but my cheeks were slightly sensitive when touched for a few hours after the shave. That tells me I'm using a little too much pressure or maybe I don't have the blade at the proper angle. I have lots of practice ahead of me!

I've been bouncing between DE, shavette, and straight for several months now and the biggest thing I notice between them is "how long" the shave lasts. With the straight, I can "almost" go a full day without shaving, whereas with the DE and the shavette I have obvious stubble the next day. Straight is definitely harder to learn (and I still sometimes use the DE on my neck), but the straight give a much closer shave.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

I've been bouncing between DE, shavette, and straight for several months now and the biggest thing I notice between them is "how long" the shave lasts. With the straight, I can "almost" go a full day without shaving, whereas with the DE and the shavette I have obvious stubble the next day. Straight is definitely harder to learn (and I still sometimes use the DE on my neck), but the straight give a much closer shave.

That's good to hear. I know it will take some time to learn this art, but I have the rest of my life to learn it. I look forward to the day when I can get a closer shave with the straight than the DE.

I find that one pass with the grain and one pass against the grain on my cheeks/chin/mouth gives an awesome shave. Still struggling a bit with the lower neck. But the closeness of the shave once you start getting it really makes the effort worthwhile.

Good to hear good news coming from two new guys. Yes, learning a str8 does take some time and there will be nicks along the way, hopefully nothing major.

LifesShort, that slight sensitive feel to the touch could very well be due to too much pressure. You might also lower the blade a bit too.

If either of you need help or info please don't hesitate to ask, that is what us older members are here for. At one time all of us were in your shoes and the only way we got to where we are was to ask questions. It won't be long and you will be doing like the rest of us, rubbing your face and saying" Man, that feels good"!

Good luck to both, enjoy the journey..........Happy Shaving!

LifesShort,
It takes a little time to get there. Your technique will improve and your skin become accustomed to the razor. Don't go for the perfect shave; rather, opt for the comfortable shave. Short strokes, 20 to 30 angle in general, and zero pressure will get you there, along with the proper preparation. You're on your way.

Something I forgot the mention that has really helped me while learning - I only soap the section I'm about to shave. Because every shave for me is an experiment (I'm testing angles, direction, pressure, etc) it takes me about 30 minutes to shave. In the beginning I'd soap my whole face, but by the time I got to the other side it would be dry. I've started doing a full base with glycerin soap (COL Crunk) and then apply my shaving soap to each section just before cutting. I've also been learning more and more that "less is more" when it comes to pressure. With almost no pressure, the hairs will kind of hold the razor down themselves if you have the right angle.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

Something I forgot the mention that has really helped me while learning - I only soap the section I'm about to shave. Because every shave for me is an experiment (I'm testing angles, direction, pressure, etc) it takes me about 30 minutes to shave. In the beginning I'd soap my whole face, but by the time I got to the other side it would be dry. I've started doing a full base with glycerin soap (COL Crunk) and then apply my shaving soap to each section just before cutting. I've also been learning more and more that "less is more" when it comes to pressure. With almost no pressure, the hairs will kind of hold the razor down themselves if you have the right angle.

I thought about doing that too but decided that it would be better to lather and re-lather if I have to. This keeps the whiskers softer and easier to shave in my opinion. For me anyway. Whatever works for you is the rule though. Smooth Shaves.

Mike

mglindo - I do put a "base" of COL Crunk glycerin soap around my whole face first. Then I come back and apply the shaving soap section by section. I found that if the shaving soap dried (even with reapplying) it would sometimes cause the razor to "skip" when it hit dryer spots.

as a newer person to SR shaving i also had the problem of the lather drying out, I don't have that problem too much anymore as my shaving has improved but i found when it does happen wet finger to the area are a quick fix.