Thread: Synopisis of my first shave with a straight razor

So yesterday I shaved with a straight razor for the first time. And it was about 2 weeks worth of beard growth. Now I had recently inherited a C-MON straight razor, which I used for this.

Now this razor hadnt been used, sharpened, or stropped since at least the late 1960's. But I decided to use it in the condition that it was in anyway.

I couldnt wait for the Lynn Abrams DVD instructional that I just bought to arrive, because I needed to shave right away. I had a SBCA class that night, and no facial hair was permitted. So since I did carefully review a Lynn Abrams video on the site, I just decided to go on ahead and try.

I had no special creams, I just used regular barbasol foam. Although I did use a large volume, and really tried to work it into a lather.

I took the straight razor and used the 30 deg angle and just proceeded to, without fear, carefully & respectfully, but without fear, proceed to do just what I had seen Lynn and others do on video.

Everything worked out perfect. On the first pass there were no nicks or anything. And with the chin, second, third, neck and final, passes I soon found myself going across and against the grain with no regard.

Afterward I felt my face and it was as smooth as could be. For the past few years with disposables, I would get an occasional razor bump, and overall bad feeling on my skin.

But with the staright razor it was damn near clinical. My face actually felt healthy. And remember I was using unorthodox methods...nowhere near what I will be learning now that the DVD had arrived.

I am convinced now, the straight razor is the only way to go for me. And I am glad I discovered this site. THANKS!!

If you can shave that well with a razor that hasn't been sharpened/stropped, you're going to be even happier once you do that.

Sounds pretty darn good for your first time.

Congrats, not many come away from their first shave with such a good result. Especially considering the razor's condition and the use of Barbasol foam.

Bob

With that kind of luck, you should try visiting a casino.

. Charles

So we can safely assumed your hooked now?
It will get even better from here, especially after a good sharpening, stropping, and better soap.

The "World of Straight Razor Shaving" DVD arrived two days ago. I haven't watched it yet, but when I do I know I will be able to fine tune things a bit. Now the thing is, that with this first shave, in the days afterward, my stubble grew in nice and even. I can now run my fingers over my face and feel a nice, prickly, and even growth of stubble coming through with no problems. Usually, with disposables, this is when the small bumps that restrict stubble growth would be forming,..... thus ruining the complexion of my face.

But this is not the case with the straight razor. Again, everything is growing clean and my complexion is great! I have experienced none of the trouble that I have been with disposables. I'm hooked, man! For me, the straight razor is a real cure! Ill be watching the video soon.

Once it's stropped and you have a brush and better soap/cream it will get even better!

As everyone else said it only gets better.

Originally Posted by rodb

Once it's stropped and you have a brush and better soap/cream it will get even better!

Ahmen to that one