Thread: My first shave.

Morning all...

I just experienced my first shave with my new Dovo All Stainless Steel 5/8 straight razor.

It wasn't what I expected, but in a good way. The shave was amazingly close. I did manage to nick myself in a few places (ow....ch) but I had my "nick relief" powder, so that worked out ok. Maybe it's just me, but I found it challenging doing the right side of my face, because I'm right handed. I didn't feel comfortable at all using my left hand. I tried with my left hand, but the level of comfort just wasn't there, so I stuck with the right hand. The chin & mustache areas were the most difficult. That's actually where I nicked myself in several areas.

Suggestion : It would be nice to have a "My First Shave" section somewhere in the forum, so newbies can post there, and have answers to FAQ listed there as well. Just a thought.

It sounds like you did pretty well. Using the non-dominate hand takes some getting used to. I'm still working on it myself, but bit by bit your skill will increase, if you stick with it. I shaved for two years with one hand but I'm forcing myself to use both hands now. One thing you could do is just use your left hand on the left side of your face, for the WTG pass. Once you feel comfortable with that, then move on to using the left hand on the right side of your face. As for nicking yourself, try your best to use a light hand. Multiple light passes, without pressure, will get you a close shave and help minimize nicks. Good luck with your next shaves.

The SRP Wiki has a lot of FAQ's and information on it, incuding an area that gives advice before the first shave!

Straight Razor Place Wiki

Glad you enjoyed your first shave! Dont worry too much about nicking yourself, we're all been there...! Just take it slow and you will get there!

Give the Wiki a good read and any other questions you have can be answered here! Dont forget, you can also use the search function on the forum to pull up threads with key words you are looking for as well!

Have fun!

What do you use to soothe your skin after the shave?

I noticed that unlike the traditional cartridge based disposable shavers, the straight razor created a lot of burning and/or stinging sensation afterwards. I'm sure some (if not all) of that was attributed to my shaving style, which will no doubt improve with time.

But what you recommend to cool and soothe the skin after a shave?

EDIT : Stubear, nevermind....found what I was looking for in the Wiki you linked me up with. LOL. Thanks bro.

I use Trumpers Sandalwood skin food, which I love. Its not too greasy, has a subtle scent and sooths my skin fantastically! Its got a high glycerin content which seems to help a lot. Actually, everything I use is sandalwood.. The cream, the soap and the skin food.. Must have a thing about sandalwood!

The other thing you can try is to put a cold flannel or towel on your face after the shave. This closes the pores and tightens the skin and I find it reduces the irritation still further.

You will find that your skin is irritated by the razor at first but as you become more comfortable with using straights the irritation will reduce. I dont really get any now, and I used to get horrible bumps and razor burn before I switched.

Have you tried : Nivea for Men After Shave Balm? If so, what are your thoughts on this product?

After my shave I use an Alum bar, and then follow that up with a soothing aftershave balm (or if I'm feeling like I got a great shave with no irritation, I'll use an alcohol based aftershave like Bay Rum).

I've never used Nivea so I can't rightly comment.

The burning will go away with a lighter touch, better stretching, and frankly, your skin getting used to the new shaving method.

Good luck, and keep it up.

Mark

Funny... I didn't have any of the left hand trouble you guys did.

Ambidexterity has it's advantages

Originally Posted by YMS1975

Have you tried : Nivea for Men After Shave Balm? If so, what are your thoughts on this product?

I've used it, but I just found it to be a bit greasy which I didnt like. I also found it made the skin on my neck itch a bit, particularly if it was a hot day.

I guess the best thing to do is try a whole bunch of stuff and see which you like..! And this give lots of opportunity to go out and try loads of different lotions and potions until you find the one you like..! And once you've found one you like, it doesnt mean you have to stop looking and BAM! You have a new aquisition disorder!

I rate the Nivea AS balms highly and would recommend the Sensitive for anyone new to using a straight razor. Make sure you rub it into your skin thoroughly before splashing your face with cold water.

As for using the non-dominant hand, I managed to get used to it by practicing holding the razor in my non-dominant hand while not shaving. If I was browsing the net, watching TV, or listening to music I would practice holding the razor in my hand and sometimes make strokes in the air with it nowhere near my face.