Thread: My first shave with a straight razor

About 45 minutes ago I had my first shave with a straight razor.
The first thing I noticed was the truth when people say a straight is more forgiving than a shavette. I'd say much more.
I went the whole nine yards; ATG and all!
My neck is still somewhat rough. It was a learning experience. I have razor burn but I'd say it went better than my first time with the Parker. Wether that's because of the razor, or because I have some experience under my belt or both, I don't know.
I even managed to get my jawline smooth, something I never did with the shavette without literally slashing myself to shards!
I do have weepers, especially on my chin but overall I'm pleased with my first shave. Put it this way: I'm looking forward to my next one.
I pulled out the strop and did about 30 laps (60 strokes) and I never nicked the leather. I took my time and went moderately slow. I tested it with my thumb(a no-no I know) and it felt very sharp. I don't know if it was still sharp even after shaving or my stropping worked ( I expect the former).
Anyway, it was pretty good, not great. I would appreciate any advice you can throw my way. Cheers

Jeremy

Sounds like you did really well. The neck is always a difficult part to do. You have to do a lot of stretching chin pointing up, tilting head looking right and left. You could also try the spine almost touching the face going ATG on the neck. Good luck on number two.

Bob

That stretching stuff, yep!

I sounds like you are starting your journey for the perfect shave. I started with a shavette and it is a good learning experience. Teaches you the importance of pressure and angle. Amazing how sharp a Feather Pro blade is. Congratulations

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I sounds like you are starting your journey for the perfect shave. I started with a shavette and it is a good learning experience. Teaches you the importance of pressure and angle. Amazing how sharp a Feather Pro blade is. Congratulations

Thanks! I have so much to learn. I'm fairly smooth tonight but I'm sore with razor burn.

I started shaving with a straight only a year ago but when I first started my mindset was that if I used pressure I would get a closer shave, this is totally false. It only caused me razor burn but it took months to figure this out even when I read it over and over on this forum. Proper angle and stretching of the skin along with good prep and a sharp razor will get you a close shave. Unfortunately it seemed to take me several months to get everything to come together, (I catch on quick just have to be told a long time). Stick with it, it's worth the effort!

Originally Posted by Anthonyb

I started shaving with a straight only a year ago but when I first started my mindset was that if I used pressure I would get a closer shave, this is totally false. It only caused me razor burn but it took months to figure this out even when I read it over and over on this forum. Proper angle and stretching of the skin along with good prep and a sharp razor will get you a close shave. Unfortunately it seemed to take me several months to get everything to come together, (I catch on quick just have to be told along time). Stick with it, it's worth the effort!

Sounds familiar. I think I was applying some pressure. When you're at the mirror and the razor is in your hand, it's easy to forget what you went over in your head. I've been told to try and focus on just doing enough to remove the shaving cream. I'll work on it, thanks.
Jeremy