Thread: First time out of the gate

I recently purchased a Ralf Aust 5/8 full hollow straight razor from SRD, fully shave ready. Today, I decided to cut some hair with it. Watched the Lynn Abrams video for beginners the other day, and thought I was ready to give it a go. Besides, no sense having it be a "hangar queen", right?

Taking into account the various cautions AGAINST shaving with it while in the tub (as is my normal routine, I took a shower, maybe 5-7 minutes, and got things ready. Nice thick towel next across the sink edge for wiping the blade, soap and brush ready and waiting. Loaded up a good lather on the brush, took a comfortable grip on my razor and . . .

HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF JESUS . . . this is NOT like using a DE at all.

I am right handed so, naturally, I went to the right cheek first, intending to do the easy parts on a WTG pass, and see what comes of that. I set the blade to what I thought was a decent angle of attack and drew down my cheek, near the ear/temple. It really wanted to dig in at first, which gave rise to a whole bunch of questions:

1) was my razor truly "shave ready"?
2) was my angle too steep?
3) was my skin too dry? This is why I started tub shaving in the first place, years ago.
4) did I just waste $100.00?

First thing I did was back off, Then I stretched the skin a la the video and went back in, being extra careful about the angle of attack. Using little strokes (1/4" at a time?), with the spine almost on my cheek, I started to actually feel like I was "shaving" with my razor, as opposed to just scraping hair off my face. I finished my pass down to the jaw-line and proceeded to my left cheek.
Did I mention I was a rightie? Well, I thought I may as well start by learning to use both hands, so I wiped the blade on the towel and switched grip. I have to say, whether it was just that I was more careful with my "wrong" hand, or had figured out my error, the pass with my left hand seemed to go a little easier than the first. There was not sensation of scraping, just a nice, if slow, progression down the cheek. I tried a second pass with my right hand in charge, before reloading the lather on both sides. Sticking to my right hand, now, I finished both cheeks and decided to give my chin a try before putting the straight away and finishing with my DE. I actually managed a few slow passes WTG which felt nice, as the video mentions the chin as a difficult area t master. Not that I am close to mastering ANYTHING, but it felt good to get through this without so much as a weeper in evidence on my face. I finished with my Merkur for a fairly decent overall experience.
I decided, after cleaning the blade carefully, that I would try a few slow passes on my Poor Man's strop. Naturally, I cut it near where I was holding it. But I think I did okay, and remembered to roll over the spine every time. It is definitely going to take some more practice before my next shave, and I am DEFINITELY going to rewatch that Abrams video, too.

But, I can now honestly say I know what it's like to shave (part of) my face with a straight blade.

I think for my next time out I am going to try it in the tub (CAREFULLY), if only to eliminate the dry face as a possibility for the slow start. Either that, or I am just going to have to take a longer shower, which I hat, because it steams everything up.

Might try a pre shave oil. Closet lefty eh ? :<0)

Was thinking about that, but I have never needed one in the past, so why would I need one with a Straight? Or do you think it is more about my face drying out?

I should note that glycerine was added to my shave soap, as per my normal routine.

Take your straight razor into the shower?

I would not do that even if Kate Upton was bringing it too me in the shower...

Nonononono . . . bath, not shower. I have always found that, even when using a moisturizer after a shower, and only patting dry, my skin tends to dry out under the lather very quickly. No idea why this is, and I tried what I could think of to alleviate the issue tonight. I heated my lathering bowl so that the lather was nice and warm on my skin. I added glycerine for added glide. I relathered after each pass. But my skin still felt "tight".

Obviously, as I did not slice myself to ribbons, I did an adequate job for a first time shave, but I am just looking at ways to make things better next time. I never have these skin issues while tub shaving and, loath though I am to risk the edge of my razor, to say nothing of my delicate bits, I think that one shave in my usual fashion might be worth the risk to determine if it IS the shower or not.

Oh, and if Ms. Upton is bringing me my razor in the shower, you can be DAMN sure that I will offer to shave her legs as a "thank you".

I really don't think shaving with a straight in the bath is a good idea for the following reasons:
1- your hands will possibly be wet and will therefore not grip as well.
2- you might drop your razor INTO YOUR LAP.
3- even if it doesn't land in your lap, drop something analogous to a straight into the bath and watch it sink see where it touches, try and get it out without touching the "edge" or touching the "edge" on yourself. Now leave it in the bath and try to extract yourself without contacting the "edge".

Even slight contact will cut you well.

4- dropped razors generally get chipped.
5- your razor will need a whole heap of drying.

I know all the reasons why I shouldn't. But, I think I am going to give it a try ONCE, just to confirm my suspicions. If they ARE confirmed, then I can take steps to modify my post shower routine in an effort to make the shave easier. BUT, if the same thing occurs whilst in the friendly waters of my tub, then I know to look elsewhere for what is confounding me at the moment.

1. I can dry my hands before starting, and do so now with my DE.
2. I cannot guarantee I will not drop my razor, but I CAN take steps to ensure it stays out of the water in the event I let go.
3. Something like a breakfast tray, with a towel on top would cushion the impact of any "drop".
4. See #3.
5. This is the only par that truly concerns me, as no matter how cautious I am in my shave the added humidity of the tub will need to be gotten rid of before storage. there will be some added effort, but I think I can ensure complete drying.

I just think it's worth the risk ONCE.

It's your choice. But your choice is one I (and probably most other experienced users) wouldn't make. I did consider mentioning something like a tray but even with that precaution I didn't really want to encourage the idea.

Have you considered using a moisturizer as a pre shave. I have used vitamin e cream and nivea sensitive balm as a pre shave when I first started using straights. I don't like oils but some guys do.

As others have mentioned I would not take the straight to the tub or shower for the reasons mentioned. It is too dangerous. if your worried about dry skin then presoak your face with a hot towel and shave then take your shower or bath. You also mentioned you nicked your strop with the razor. this could have dulled it some what. be carful. Sounds like you have a nice blade if taken care of it should last a life time. Have fun ,

I'm with the guys on this one, too many dangly bits to get sliced up in the bath, same reason I do not shave in the nud at the basin. Just seems like holding a pice of steak in the lions den and going here kitty kitty kitty, you are asking for it. Having said that, tell us how it works out if you are determined.