Thread: First Straight Shave

I first off want to thank our very own DoughBoy1968 for allowing me to purchase two of the razors from his collection. They are both beautiful razors with scales that he made himself. I will be posting pictures so keep an eye out for them. Well, to get on with it.

A week ago at about 12:30 at night while browsing the shave isle in wally-world I noticed the Van Der Hagen Shave Set and I caved. So I went home with a cheap boar brush that is now only finally breaking in. Then a few days later I stopped again and picked up a DE, you know the one with the pawn star on the box, and I shaved with it for the first time that night. I discovered a few things that night. One of them being that a styptic pencil stings like nothing else. The other is that razor burn is a whole lot easier to get with a DE.

Now, back on topic. Today after a little over a week I got the razors and I patiently while I did some running around. When I finally got back home I took a nice hot shower to soften the whiskers and I whipped up some decent, a little watery, lather and went at it. After the initial nervousness of holding a razor sharp edge to my face I discovered that it isn't as nerve wracking as I was expecting. So I ended up doing my cheeks and neck and I managed to end up with some razor burn and a few nicks. Not too bad actually, My first time with the DE was worst than that Now I just pray that my next shave isn't much worst

Should only get better!

After the 100 shave mark...you should see some improvements.. True Story !!

My first straight shave was not to great. I didn't really know how much pressure to allow, since I have coarse facial hair. Didn't slice myself, but I managed to put some good nicks on my face and left myself with a rash after letting heal for a couple days. Didn't scare me away though. I fell for the ritual of it and I kept moving forward. Today its my favorite thing to do at home. Perfect almost every time! Took me about 60-70 sessions to really be a pro at it. Now its like pipe smoking. Collecting different razors for different experiences.

It will get better for sure if you stick with it. Keep that lather wet and forget about all the photos that shavers post with a big thick lather. Water and soap works.

Patience MrMan! Just take your time and your shaves will get better. Then your ADs will kick in!! Good luck.

Ohh, the Ad is already started. I caved and ordered 6 Mama Bear soaps I'm hoping they will ship today. I have found that even using a DE is relaxing. I think I will really enjoy the process when I get better at it. Then the RAD will kick in...

To start with shave for comfort, the closeness will come with a bit of experience. Happy to hear that you are happy.....

[QUOTE=MrMan;1519361]I first off want to thank our very own DoughBoy1968 for allowing me to purchase two of the razors from his collection. They are both beautiful razors with scales that he made himself. I will be posting pictures so keep an eye out for them. Well, to get on with it.

MrMan,
Glad I could be of some assistance. You will soon discover that this is a community of members who have been here a while helping out the new guys. We were new at one time and if it weren't for the older members we wouldn't be where we are, we feel we are just giving back what we obtained when we were new.

It will get better after 10 or so shaves. You will adjust the pressure and the angle after couple uses. Keep it slow and be sure your beard is prepared very good. You will notice that you think something else while you are shaving after 100 shaves more or less. It is all about learning the skill and the rest is muscle memory for sure.

Enjoy the straight razor shave