I lived through it!

Allright guys, I did the deed tonight. My first shave w/ a straight.
It was simultaneously easier and more challenging than I expected.
I stropped up the 5/8 square point (which I got from JonE) on a Tony Miller paddle strop (which I got from Telly). Thanks guys! I am sure it could have been sharper, but I still have some practice to do.
Lathered up some T&H W.I. Limes and went to it.

Angle was not that big of a problem really, but I think shaving with GEMs exclusively for a while now helped that bit. Using both hands was more of a problem though. I finally gave up on my left hand and after a while figured out the necessary holds for just my right hand. The left was just too shaky on my throat and I wanted to finish without having to call 911.

Got a respectable shave out of the deal, but managed to slice my right cheek once and just in front of my left ear soon after. Mistakes on a straight are not as forgiving as a nick from a GEM I found out. The Gillespie cheek trick does not work for me that well using a straight either (thus the slice on right cheek).
I found lather to be much more of a critical factor when using a straight also.

My neck was actually easier to shave with a straight than safety razor. That surprised me a bit.
All in all, I found the experience to be enjoyable and look forward to round two.

The verdict is in, I am now a straight razor shaver. I do not plan to use the safety razors any more, even for touch ups. I figure allowing myself to only use the cut-throat should force me to improve faster than using both. A few scars just add character, right?


This place has been absolutely invaluable as a source of information, and I will surely continue to scour the boards. I couldn't have done it without this fine community. I realy appreciate all the info (and gear) everybody provides.

Sounds like a very successful first shave to me! It only gets better from here on out.

Good show Mitch :tu
Keep practicing with that left hand, might take time.... but will making shaving much easier for you. After a few shaves the shakes will stop, don't forget to breathe.... :D

Great Job Mitch!
Sounds like you did a bang up job first thing out of the gates. It does indeed get easier, and in my case, I find that I get far fewer nicks with a straight versus a DE and even fewer than my beloved Gem 1912. :)
Seems as though you have a fantastic attitude toward this new adventure and you'll indeed learn quickly, I'm sure.
Congrats!

Way to go, Mitch!!

This is a good step, Mitch. Keep that attention and you'll continue to improve without all the battle scars. :D

X

Keep the DE's for travel. Don't risk a good str8 with the airlines. Try the left hand a little each time. If you can manage it makes a much better experience.

Keep up the good work. The learning curve on a straight are all the curves you have to navigate. Takes time, but it isn't rocket science or all the men would have bled to death and none of us would be here experimenting.

Tis another case of better, quicker, cheaper ( cartridge razors) didn't seem to work out.

Took me forty five shaky minutes to get my first shave. I get it all wrapped up with a nice shave in about 15 or 20 minutes start to finish.

Martin

Thanks for the words of encouragement, everybody.
I really like the attention involved in using a straight. It makes shaving that much more of a ritual, that much more of a ceremony.

I have been infatuated with straight razors since I was very young. Honestly, I don't know why it took me so long to start shaving with one.

To tell the truth, I was surprised it didn't slice my face off. Straight razors are much smoother shavers than I expected. The dangers are different than I expected, and I have little worry I shall learn to avoid them in short order (blood is a great negative reinforcer).

I will continue to try and work the left hand into things, if only because I can't do it now. I like a challenge :D.

Some of my Gillettes might eventually get sold off to fund straights, but I could never part with my single edge safety razors. Until I get proficient enough to tackle shaving my head with a straight, the G-Bar (or micromatics or ever-ready) is still my go to in that department. Also, like was mentioned, I'd rather lose a Micromatic to the airlines than a straight.

Now I need some hones, and a hanging strop from Mr. Miller. I have a line on what I think is a vintage barber hone, but Nortons are in my future for sure.
I ordered a couple of Wapis off Ebay to eventually try my hand at getting a razor shave ready.
I never knew shaving could constitute such a fulfilling hobby.